on the morn he leaves home...

The rest of my house still lays quiet.
The sun is not yet up.
I, myself, had planned to sleep in a bit today.
But God woke me earlier than planned.
And as I lay in the dark on the morn that we take our second-born son to college, my heart flooded with a thousand moments and memories.
My mind went back to when he sucked on his fingers backwards and lived in his cowboy boots, hat, and bandana;
when he was enamored with Toy Story Woody and playing a guitar and animals of every kind.

But then this happened.
Little by little,
one step after another,
he grew up.
In wisdom.
In stature.
And in favor with God and man.

This bold, brave son
with steadiness and loyalty of heart.
He's solid and consistent and rich in character.
And most of all, his heart's desire is to know and love Jesus more and more.

The memories gave way to prayer this early morning.
As the tears slipped down my cheeks,
I found myself just crying out to God in thanks:
thanks for the unspeakable joy and privilege of being Ry's mom.
As I told Jon last night, I can't imagine this house without him.
He brings us so much joy and delight.
But though my heart aches so deeply,
there's excitement in sharing this remarkable young man with the world,
knowing that God goes before Him and hems him in before and behind;
knowing that He's been preparing him to lead and serve and take initiative and do hard things;
knowing that Ryan's amazing life is going to be used to shine a light on the gospel and make much of Jesus.

Ryan, we love you with all our hearts.
God is the strength of our hearts and our portion forever.

Father God, may Ryan "love what is good, be self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.  May he hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it." (from Titus 1:8-9)