And Just Like That, You Are Seven

Well, I did it.

I blinked.

They said not to.  But I did and sure enough, just like that, you are seven.

You were my autumn baby, born on a cold October morning in Maryland where the leaves outside our hospital window were brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red. You were so sweet, handsome and boyish even as a newborn. You changed my life. You have been such a joy!

You are changing before my eyes ~ your once squishy face thinning out, your legs getting longer and knees knobbier.  But you are still so sweet, so handsome, such a boy.

We have enjoyed celebrating you this week!  Even as I sit and type this there are orange and blue streamers hung around the house, leftover birthday cake sits in the kitchen, and you are on the floor admiring new presents and toys.

And as I look at you, my brand new seven year old, I just wanted to tell you a few things.

First is that I love you.  I love you so much more than is possible to put into words. I love you so much it hurts at times.  You are a part of me.  You are one of God's absolute greatest gifts to me. You are His, and sometimes I stand in awe that He is willing to share you with me.  I love you for who you are, I love who you are becoming, and I love being your mom. Even on hard days and when I don't do a good job, there is no greater gift or privilege than being your mom.  I want you to know that.

Second is that I like you.  I like how you are an amazing reader and devour biographies and chapter books.  I like your joyful sense of humor and adorable way of putting things.  I like your infectious laugh and hilarious dance moves and endless curiosity.  I like that you are respectful and kind to others. I like that you can build complicated Legos all by yourself and that you memorize your Bible verse for Sunday School every week and that you want to spell all the words correctly on your schoolwork even though you don't have to.  You are a great kid.

Third is that I know you.  I know how faithfully you pray for the people you know are sick or hurting.  I know your deep compassion for others.  I know how you are part entertainer, part shy guy.  I know how you run into my arms when you see me at school.  I know that you sometimes kiss me on my nose and that you love anything chocolate and that you fall asleep to music and sometimes need one more hug or kiss before drifting off to sleep.  I know you get excited about the little things and absolutely love holidays ~ those are things we share.

Fourth is that I pray for you.  Every day.  All throughout the day.  For your safety and protection.  For your health.  That you will make good choices.  That you will be respectful.  For your spiritual growth.  That you will love Jesus with all your heart and serve Him all the days of your life.  That you will grow to be a mighty man of God. That God will provide you with a virtuous woman for a wife one day.  That God will give me wisdom as I mother you.  I have prayed for you since the moment I knew about you, and will always, always pray for you.  

Last is that I am here for you.  Always.  We are in this thing together.  We have both made mistakes, and will both make more mistakes.  But we are learning together.  And we are held by the Creator of the universe.  He holds us, Trevor!  And I believe He will hold our family together as we daily surrender our lives to Him.  I believe His Word, I trust in His promises.  That makes me excited for what is to come, for what He is going to do in your life!  His hand is on you, that much I know.  And I can't wait to see what He does in and through you.  

Happy 7th Birthday, Trev!  You are such a little light.  I thank God every day for you.