“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but
set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in
purity…Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you
do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” 1 Timothy 4:12, 16
I have this book
called “My Son’s Blessing Book,” which I had intended to write in every year of
his life until it was full or until I needed to start a new one. Each 5-page
blank journaling section starts out with a Bible verse. Unfortunately, my once
a year goal was unmet for the first 2 years of his life (first entry 2005-he
was born in 2003), then it went into “hiding” until 2012, when he was over 9
years old. This year, I have now written
twice, once this summer and again today, so I suppose I am making up a bit for
lost time.
When I do write
in it, I tell my son what he is like at that moment in time. I may talk about
the class he is in at school and his accomplishments there, and I write about
how his personality has developed. I
hope someday he will enjoy reading about himself in this way, about moments in
time that gradually fade and sometimes meld and change themselves into a whole
batch of other memories and/or are often forgotten completely as we age. This is part of what I love about the process
of writing and journaling in the moment….the ability to have a “snapshot in
time” of not just what was happening, like in a photograph, but the description
of how you felt, the mindset you were in, and how your thought about life at
that time. It’s fascinating to see how our thinking changes and how wisdom is developed
over the years.
For this
particular 10th birthday entry, I thought the verse from “My Son’s
Blessing Book” (reprinted above) was quite apt.
This school year, we’ve seen a bit of an evolution with our son. He’s always been a good kid, but this year,
he has become an example for other children in his school and student council
group. He’s the one who encourages and helps fellow students out in class. He’s
the one to stay after the school dance volunteering to help vacuum and getting
applause for his “over and beyond efforts” from all the teachers at the
end. He is excelling in his grades, and
he takes instruction from his sports coaches well. Everyone can see that he is
really trying to do his best in all he is tasked with throughout the week,
whether it is at home, school, scouts, or sports.
So, I want to
tell him today (in the spirit of the verse above) to not allow anyone to bully
or belittle you, to not let those who consider themselves “cooler” than you to
cause you to think less of yourself or anyone else that they don’t consider
“cool” because right now, at this very moment in time, you are setting the
ultimate example of good character in your life. From your sense of responsibility and pride
in the work you do to your love for others, no matter who they are or where
they come from and your tremendous respect for your teachers and other adults,
you amaze me. You are kind to all you
meet, and you work hard to please and be good to even those who don’t always
treat you with the same kindness and goodness. You are a blessing and a child
of God. He is proud of you and who you are becoming just as we are.
Son, watch your
life closely and keep the child-like faith you now hold. Do not allow the world
to change who you are or to bring you down.
Remember that you are loved by your family and by God and even though
life will not always be easy, you always have a choice and that choice could
mean the difference between saving or losing yourself. When those tough times come, remember who you
were when you turned 10 years old, a boy who loved with all his heart, was
dedicated to doing his best for his God, family, friends, and teachers, and who
was strong in his convictions, not allowing others to change his mind. You set the example, continue to do that
throughout life, and you will not only help save yourself from future hurts,
but you will also bring others to a better life through your influence. I love you, baby doll! Happy Birthday!!
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