Happy Birthday, Our Son

Each of our three boys arrived in such a beautiful package. All these years since their births, I find I'm still unwrapping them, layer by layer, and discovering such untold joys and surprises about each one of them.

Today we celebrate the beautiful life-changing day, 12 years ago, when our second son was born. While we differ is so many ways, he told me this week that we're "kindred spirits." There are few things that can melt a mama's heart any more quickly...

Ryan, our "little king," has the most selfless and generous heart. He responsibly sees each task or chore to its completion. One of our boys' joint chores is unloading the dishwasher. Many mornings, Ryan has come down the stairs earlier than his brothers, and without being asked, has unloaded the dishwasher all on his own. He never complains. This is Ryan...he has the most beautiful servant's heart.

Looking at his pictures, it's plain to see that he has a deep love for animals and nature. He's our true outdoorsman. My own appreciation for nature has grown since viewing it through his eyes. Everything around him is a sight, a wonder to behold. Even now, he dreams of an occupation working with animals.

God has also given Ryan a heart for kids. When he walks into a room, the little ones seem to gravitate toward him. They know a whole lotta fun is about to begin! I'm thankful for his quiet strength and tenderness, which is so evident when he's playing with a group of children.

I love his funny faces, his antics, his sense of humor. I love the way he greets me when I walk into the room with "Hello, gorgeous!"---and somehow causes me to believe it. I love the way that he faithfully loves and stands by his friends. His model of true friendship regularly inspires me. I love the way that his inquisitive nature is always seeking to learn more about God's world. Furthermore, I love how he retains that knowledge. He's a sponge. And I love his growing hunger to know what his Father God says to him about life...about true life. He is plainly growing in wisdom, in stature, and in favor with God and men.

It's my heart's joy to celebrate Ryan today; to look back and remember all the tender (and crazy) moments of the past 12 years; to embrace these current days of sweet simplicity and adventure; and to look ahead, with eager expectation, to all that God intends to do in and through the life of this precious son of ours.

Happy, Happy Birthday, our dear Ryan. We're so glad God gave you to us. We love you!

(Just a few of my favorite photos from the past 12 years...)