To Eli on your eleventh birthday...
My sweet Eli Jackson,
You are eleven. I still cannot figure out where the time goes, but the last eleven years with you have been a true treasure. From the moment I laid eyes on you to this very day, you have brought nothing but absolute joy. You truly had me at "hello".
You are one of the kindest, most gentle hearted persons I have ever had the privilege to know. If I considered being a mom a job, you'd be the easiest job in the world. Seriously, you bring light and love to all around you. You are easy going, have the best subtle sense of humor, and there's no doubt you give the best hugs in the world. I would describe you as pure of heart. I've always said you don't have a mean bone in your body. You are a best friend to your brothers, you play with your sister so selflessly, and are always checking in on me to make sure I'm okay. You have a capacity to show love that amazes me. You tell me everyday that you love me, hug me a million times, and always say "thank you mom!". Your love is infectious.
You have such a desire to "do what's right". If anything, you are way too hard on yourself. My huge prayer for you is that God would give you confidence in who you are. That you could see yourself the way God sees you. Who He created you to be. Because, you are truly special. I believe with all my heart God has HUGE plans for you and that big heart of yours.
You are brilliant. Like me, you sometimes have a more difficult time expressing yourself through your words, but your writing is a true gift. It blows me away. I mentioned your subtle sense of humor... if anyone takes the time to get to know you, they'll be forever blessed and laughing a lot. It's easy for you to get lost amongst the chaos and the nonstop talking of your siblings. They seriously n e v e r stop talking. I will forever love the random comments you make from the back of the car when no one will stop talking, that puts me in a fit of laughter. Like, laughing so hard I'm crying. Your wit is spot on.
You're the most responsible kid I've ever known. Take it easy sometimes, my boy. Relax a bit! I love your desire to be productive, set goals, and make lists... but also know that you don't have to be perfect and you don't have to earn the approval of men. You and me - we are one and the same. I love the bond that we have and it's also why I can tell you these things. Don't worry so much about what anyone else thinks, but fix your eyes on Him. If there's anything I'm learning even right now, it's that. I spent so long being too scared to try new things for fear of failure or other people's opinions. Be confident in the gifts God has given you. "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace."
I can't say what this next year will be, but I know that God is with us. He is with you, and in you. I see Him in your heart, in your sensitive spirit, and in your actions. Always trust Him and seek after Him all your days. I pray you see God in bigger ways than you ever have this year. That you learn to trust in Him even more. That you cling to Him with all your heart.
I love you forever and ever, no matter what. Thank you for being such a blessing to our family and the oh so many things you add to our lives. My cup runneth over.
All my heart,
Mom
You are eleven. I still cannot figure out where the time goes, but the last eleven years with you have been a true treasure. From the moment I laid eyes on you to this very day, you have brought nothing but absolute joy. You truly had me at "hello".
You are one of the kindest, most gentle hearted persons I have ever had the privilege to know. If I considered being a mom a job, you'd be the easiest job in the world. Seriously, you bring light and love to all around you. You are easy going, have the best subtle sense of humor, and there's no doubt you give the best hugs in the world. I would describe you as pure of heart. I've always said you don't have a mean bone in your body. You are a best friend to your brothers, you play with your sister so selflessly, and are always checking in on me to make sure I'm okay. You have a capacity to show love that amazes me. You tell me everyday that you love me, hug me a million times, and always say "thank you mom!". Your love is infectious.
You have such a desire to "do what's right". If anything, you are way too hard on yourself. My huge prayer for you is that God would give you confidence in who you are. That you could see yourself the way God sees you. Who He created you to be. Because, you are truly special. I believe with all my heart God has HUGE plans for you and that big heart of yours.
You are brilliant. Like me, you sometimes have a more difficult time expressing yourself through your words, but your writing is a true gift. It blows me away. I mentioned your subtle sense of humor... if anyone takes the time to get to know you, they'll be forever blessed and laughing a lot. It's easy for you to get lost amongst the chaos and the nonstop talking of your siblings. They seriously n e v e r stop talking. I will forever love the random comments you make from the back of the car when no one will stop talking, that puts me in a fit of laughter. Like, laughing so hard I'm crying. Your wit is spot on.
You're the most responsible kid I've ever known. Take it easy sometimes, my boy. Relax a bit! I love your desire to be productive, set goals, and make lists... but also know that you don't have to be perfect and you don't have to earn the approval of men. You and me - we are one and the same. I love the bond that we have and it's also why I can tell you these things. Don't worry so much about what anyone else thinks, but fix your eyes on Him. If there's anything I'm learning even right now, it's that. I spent so long being too scared to try new things for fear of failure or other people's opinions. Be confident in the gifts God has given you. "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace."
I can't say what this next year will be, but I know that God is with us. He is with you, and in you. I see Him in your heart, in your sensitive spirit, and in your actions. Always trust Him and seek after Him all your days. I pray you see God in bigger ways than you ever have this year. That you learn to trust in Him even more. That you cling to Him with all your heart.
I love you forever and ever, no matter what. Thank you for being such a blessing to our family and the oh so many things you add to our lives. My cup runneth over.
All my heart,
Mom
