Yesterday afternoon I settled in with volume upon volume of photo albums, specifically searching for and reminiscing through pictures of our firstborn. While I fingered the pictures of his toothless baby grins and eyes of blue, I heard him and his friend jammin' together on their guitars upstairs.
It was somewhat surreal. On one hand, I had these precious bygone days before me, evidence of God's grace and goodness to our family. On the other hand, I heard this very real, audible "in the now" reminder of what God is doing in our son's life. My natural tendency is to lament the passing of time...to yearn for days gone by. But years ago I heard a quote that spoke deeply to my heart: "Don't cry because it's over; smile because it happened." I'm regularly praying that I wisely embrace and "be all there" in this new, ever-changing season.
God is faithful to remind me that our son is growing, developing, and gaining new interests as he should. He's earning responsibility, gaining independence, and learning to fly as he should. He's learning what it means to grab hold of his faith, to trust in God himself, to eat the "solid food" of God's Word...as he should. And I'm slowly learning that while the baby days, toddler, pre-school, and elementary years were oh-so-sweet, the adventures of these teenage years are equally compelling and fulfilling. Sure, the milestones may not be quite as frequent; the growth may seem a whole lot slower. But the joy that comes from discipling, praying for, and nurturing our teenage children and watching them develop a heart and a passion for Jesus Christ...there's simply nothing like it. Oh, there are ups and downs. And I know the road ahead may be bumpy and labeled with unexpected detours. But I know that through through every chapter of this great adventure, our God has been...will be...is faithful. I believe Him.
And so today, I celebrate the life of this one who gave me the title, "Mommy;" this one who is sometimes so painfully like me that I truly feel for him; this one who stole my heart and left me forever changed. And I celebrate the God who made him and entrusted him to our care. My heart cries out in joy and thanksgiving for such an amazing gift.
We love you so much, Drew. Happy, Happy Birthday!
***Here are just a few of my favorite photos from the past 14 years...
7 comments:
Such a fine young man! I know are proud. Drew is a blessing to many....we thought of you all often on his big day!!
Praying for the days ahead as he grows more into the man God wants him to be.
We miss you all.
Happy (belated) birthday, Drew!
We love you!
The Z's
He was such a sweet baby.
And has grown into such a handsome young man.
wow. i feel old now. i remember when he was born. and holding him as a baby. happy birthday D! you've done good jon and nikki!
(and nikki. " this one who is sometimes so painfully like me that I truly feel for him" how i understand this so well. that's exactly how i feel with my oldest. bless their souls.)
Oh my goodness! How did he grow up so fast? He looks like such a "man"!
Of course, his mother looks just as young and beautiful as ever!
Happy Birthday to your sweet "boy".
"But years ago I heard a quote that spoke deeply to my heart: "Don't cry because it's over; smile because it happened." I'm regularly praying that I wisely embrace and "be all there" in this new, ever-changing season."
What an encouragement this is to my heart. I find myself in a new season of life and it's been somewhat of an adjustment for me.
Thank you!
Julie
p.s. Happy Birthday Drew! : )
What a handsome young man you have there, friend. :) Oh they just grow too fast, and yet it is such a blessing to see them becoming such wonderful young men...
What great pictures Nikki! Really great post!
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