Silas,
As we celebrate this milestone of a birthday - half a decade gone by - I am taking time to reflect on who you are and how your Creator God made you. The other day, I was doubled over in laughter at the reality that you and I were matched up together as child and parent. We are complete opposites! It was not a laughter of mockery but rather a joyous laughter, reveling in the sheer delight that we serve a God that has a sense of humor. He loves to orchestrate the details of life in such a way that makes us grow, depend on Him and experience adventure as we get out of our comfort zone. Life is never boring with you!
Thought it's true that you are fun, silly and humorous, I have also seen a side of you emerge that inspires me to dream of your future as a warrior for the Kingdom. This year, I have heard you say and pray things that glorify God greatly. Very recently, I've noticed a pattern in your prayers in which you speak God's Scriptures back to Him. There's nothing more powerful! It is my desire to call you forth, naming the godly attributes I see in you. God is forming a unique story in your life - a story the world needs to hear and you're the one to tell it. You'll have the privilege of being able to proclaim your testimony, which will have the power in God's hands to transform lives.
Your high energy forces me to always be dialed in. This is good for someone like me, who tends to veer toward laziness. Colossians 1:29 says that I labor with all His energy that works so powerfully in me. I'm keenly aware on a daily basis that it is by the Spirit's energy and power alone that I am able to mother you well. While it is frequently difficult in these training years to channel all of that energy for good, I have great confidence that one day, I will see the fruit of the labor as you depart our home and head out into the field to reap a harvest for the gospel. God keeps supplying me with great faith that all of the sweat and tears I pour out today will be worth it as you - one of the arrows of our quiver - launch for His glory.
Another area that is both a refining tool and a tremendous blessing, is the opportunity I get to teach you and Lily to love one another. Since your personalities are like oil and water, I often remind you both that these years together in our home can be used to help you learn how to love, serve and bless someone that is different than you. It is good training ground for later years, which hold the likelihood of roommates, neighbors, co-workers, spouse or children that are different than you. Simply, we are called to love.
Speaking of love, I can absolutely say without a doubt that you have a big heart and display that through your endearing doses of affection. I did not grow up with much affection, so that has been another piece of redemption and healing that I've experienced through your life. On this note of affection and friendliness, you hardly know a stranger. Your winsome spirit captures the hearts of people around you.
Silas, you are a strong male. We knew it from the time you were an infant, son! I remember you had just begun to walk and were already able to push your sister around in a laundry basket. What I've been honing in on with you is the notion that although physical strength is awesome, being strong on the inside is of utmost importance. Having great self-control will set you apart from other males and for this reason, we prioritize practicing it in many different ways. May you strive to become a man of deep spiritual character, living out the fruits of the Spirit and thereby being a man of strength in the truest sense of the word.
I thank the Lord for bringing into our family the sweet gift of Silas. Because of you, smiles, laughter, activity, adventure, affection, messes, fun and love abound. You, my son, are a blessing. I fix my eyes on Jesus, the One who came to make a Way and who will forever hold us as we journey on. Happy 5th Birthday, Silas.
All my love,
Mommy
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