{luke is 16}

This son of my heart.
He's 16 today.
Sixteen.
That's a big milestone in the life of any teenager.
And as I've learned, it's also a big milestone in the life of that teenager's mama.
For while every birthday is treasured and precious,
sixteen is different somehow.
It's a becoming;
the knowledge that one's "baby" will soon be driving around with her heart while the rest of her remains home in constant prayer till he returns home safely.
It's the knowledge (at least in our case), that the high school journey is halfway over.
It's willing the next two years to go by as slowly as possible.
The truth is, our baby has older brothers.
I know how quickly it goes.
And that's why even now as tears sting my eyes,
I just keep whispering, "Thank You, God.  Thank you for the absolutely privilege and pleasure of getting to be this guy's mom.  Help me to invest these days wisely."

Luke's life is constantly teaching me, sometimes without a word.
I'm constantly learning from him.

He teaches me to serve without complaint.
He gives and pours himself out in service and love.
Repeatedly.
He's such a good example for his selfish mama.

He teaches me not to take myself too seriously and to laugh...a lot.
He's confident and comfortable and dances like nobody's watching (even when they are).
Oh, I want to be more like him!

While he's incredibly fun,
he also thinks and ponders deeply.
His faith in Jesus is alive and real and his.

Luke brings people together.
All ages, all stages, all backgrounds.
Frankly, I've never seen anything like it.
He's gifted, I tell ya.

He spreads joy and encouragement wherever he goes.
That's how I want to be known.
People are drawn to him because of the way that he loves.
He loves so, so well.

That's just part of why this day is such a celebration.
And really, that's why I ought to celebrate everyday even better than I do.
For the holy Creator of the universe put together this amazing, indescribable package.
And He gave him to me.
For a time.
And my life is so much fuller,
so much sweeter,
so much richer,
so much better.
And so is the world.
For God is using this man-child to reflect Him; to make much of Him in the ways He serves and gives and loves.
And I am forever grateful to have a front-row seat to watching it all unfold.

Happy 16th Birthday, Luke!  We crazy love you!  xoxo