Thankful: Boy to Man

Sometimes I still can't believe it.

I spy him from across the room,
this tall drink of water
with the strong jaw line,
the ready smile,
the bright blue eyes.
He's capable,
engaging,
talented;
positive,
loyal,
respectful.
He quietly serves,
humbly leads.
It's evident he loves Jesus.

Somehow, this amazing man before me is my son.
My son.
My little boy grown up.
For so many years,
I'd believed it was me teaching and shaping and discipling his heart;
training, directing, and redirecting.
While that is the task God entrusted to me,
I'm realizing that He has used this man before me to mold me, too.
He's used the varying seasons and stages,
the new experiences and changes
to teach and shape and disciple my heart;
to train, direct, and redirect  it to look like His.

I marvel at the mystery and the beauty of it all.
And I'm over-the-top thankful that God has given me
the glad pleasure of carrying this baby boy beneath my heart,
doing the stuff of life with him these 17 years,
and basking together in His outpouring of grace
as we both grow up.

Happy 17th Birthday, Drew.
Words don't begin to sum up our love for you.
We love you so...XOXO