My dear Christian,
What a blessing you are to my life. From the first moment I looked into your angelic blue eyes and you snuggled peacefully into my arms, you have had my heart. Your purity and sweetness have been evident from the beginning and have only grown along with you through the years. As you prepare to embark on the next chapter in your life, I want to share my hopes for your future while reminiscing about the qualities I admire most in you.
From the beginning, it seemed that our job as your parents was less about guiding you to the right path than preserving your innate goodness. When I think of your preschool days, I remember a precious little boy who set his own standard of behavior at being so good that he would earn three treats every day. After all, he had two little sisters to provide for at home. My favorite moment from Lads to Leaders was when you noticed that Mary Ashley’s new shoes were hurting her feet and, without a word, picked her up and carried her through the convention hotel. May you always strive to do your best and maintain a heart for serving others.
When you were about three years old and riding in the car with Dad, you questioned a turn that he made, and when he retorted that he was a daddy and daddies know everything, you quietly replied, “You don’t know the mind of God.” At six, when you wanted to become a Christian but we weren’t sure you were old enough to understand the decision, you began praying aloud that your earthly parents would allow you to be baptized. More recently, you have looked for opportunities to share your faith and, in determining your next steps, considered where and how you can have the most influence. May you always have a spiritual outlook and a faith that grows stronger, deeper and richer every day.
You have brought so much laughter to our home! From the joke you delivered with a toothless grin in kindergarten—“There are three types of people in the world: those who can count and those who can’t!”—to today’s witty observations and endless supply of memes, you keep us constantly entertained. May you always look for the joy in the world around you and strive to share that sunshine with others.
When you leave for college, I’m not sure how I will survive without my daily Christian hugs. I savored each one during your younger years, realizing that when you were older, you might not run across the school cafeteria to greet me and would likely be embarrassed to show affection in front of your friends. As time has passed, though, your devotion has never wavered. Just as I have always tried to wrap you in maternal love, you have given me that same feeling of abiding security and comfort. May you always be so free in sharing your heart, and may you be loved fiercely and faithfully in return.
As you have done throughout your high school career, I hope that you will continue to embrace the opportunities before you. It has been our pleasure to watch you succeed in the classroom, take a lead in the youth group, and sing and dance on the stage, knowing that you were giving your all in every endeavor. As much as I have enjoyed the victories along the way, even more I have been inspired by your tenacity. The indomitable spirit that helped you rise on the middle-school wrestling mat will continue to serve you well, whatever challenges lie ahead. You can be sure that your dad and I will always be in your corner to offer support, guidance and strength.
Our greatest hope has always been that you would live up to your name, and I will be cheering you on, even through my tears, as you embark on the special path that He has planned for you.
I love you,
Mommy
Photo by Allison Hilyer Photography. Used with permission.
