Another Happy Birthday To You….

To my firstborn on his birthday…

Twelve years ago today, when those nurses finally laid you in my arms, I wasn’t the least bit scared or intimidated.  In fact, if anyone would have asked me if I knew what I was in for, I would have confidently reassured them that I knew what I was doing.  Thank goodness I am not so young and naive anymore.  Nathanael, in many ways, you have been the teacher as your Daddy and I have learned to be parents.  So is the role of the first born, I guess.  You get to be the guinea pig, and I know I couldn’t have hand picked a better one if I’d had the chance. 

There are so things to celebrate about you as we look back over these past twelve years.  First of all, I don’t know another young man with such amazing character.  This doesn’t mean you’re perfect, of course.  (Remember?… No one is!)  You make wise decisions most of the time, and when you don’t…you learn quickly from mistakes you make.  (Which turns out being another wise decision in the long run)      You are conscientious and caring.  Gentle and kind.  Strong and protective.  (Anna E. is right to choose you as the brother to be with when she wants to “be safe.”)  More than that, you have such a heart for God.  You are not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and you are strongly planted in your convictions.  3 John 1:4 is right on when it says, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”  Keep it up, baby.  And remember, when you fall – just get back up and keep pushing forward. 

All your life, I’ve waited in gleeful anticipation to see “what you would do next.”  I couldn’t wait to feed you solid food.  I couldn’t wait for you to sit up.  To walk.  To get your first tooth.  To ride a bike.  To read.  To play t-ball.  To lose your first tooth.  To receive your first special award.  To crash your first car.   To sit behind the wheel for the first time. :)  You have the pleasure of being my child who gets all “the firsts” documented in detail.  Unfortunately, I know my time for witnessing that list is getting shorter and shorter with each passing year.  Still, I can’t wait.  You have your whole life in front of you and the world is yours for the taking.  Go do something amazing.  Have fun.  Laugh.  Cry.  Make a difference.  And remember, you don’t have to wait to be a “grown up” to be a world changer.  You can do it now, at twelve.  Happy Birthday, baby.  I love you more than you’ll ever, ever know.        ~Mom

From Dad:

Nate, What can I say about my firstborn?  Your mom and I always talk about how we will not be surprised by anything you accomplish in this life.  When I look at you, I see a hope and a future for our country, our family’s legacy, and the Kingdom of God.  Your love for your Savior – and the maturity of your relationship with Him at such a young age, blows my mind.  I want to encourage you to continue to be bold in your faith.  If you do so, our God will take you on the greatest adventure.  An adventure that does not promise ease, but promises a life with meaning - lives impacted for Christ’s sake. 

“Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity - show yourself an example of those who believe”    1 Timothy 4:11 

Thank you for teaching me, for loving me unconditionally, and I am so thankful we share like passions.  You rock my face off

Nathanael and his favorite Strawberry Cake. Didn't have twelve candles, so we settled for 1 and 2. (That's for 12; not 3!)