The language I know best!

Little Man,

You've done it again, in a blink of an eye.  You're growing so quickly and I still haven't found a pause button!  You are constant motion, SuperBaby, our little tiger.  You are sugar and snuggles; shy when you first wake up.  You are ticklish, stubborn and crazy about Kai.  You won't be held back, you have places to go.  'Claustrophobic' like your Dad, you need to breathe deep.  We lift you up high and you spread your wings.  I can already hear you begging to climb just a little higher, swim a bit deeper and ride your bike faster!  My sweet, tiny son.
Your hand in mine, safe and secure.  My heart is so full, my love so big.  The possibilities stretch out before you.  Who will you become, what will these fingers touch?  The toes I nibble, where will they carry you?  You are curious, an explorer.  What discoveries await you?  I pray for hidden treasure each day; the ability to recognize God's handiwork not only in mighty mountains and rushing streams but in the overlooked and unappreciated.
May you see with His eyes, feel with His heart.  I pray you will be His hands, His feet!   I don't wish for you a life of ease, as many mother's would.  Of course I want your every need met and every desire fulfilled.  I pray for safety, health and a life overflowing with joy.  But, you are part of a bigger picture, my love.  And I pray you will live a life worthy of the call, bringing glory to our King regardless of the circumstances!  May you run your race with perseverance.
From across the room you spot your Dad and I.  That smile of recognition is the sweetest thing; you know we're your biggest fans.  You big story teller; you're the man of the hour.  Your 'vocabulary' is quickly developing, usually muffled by the hand or toy you insist on putting in your mouth.  You are so strong.  So brave.  You love the water, the sky and anything that crinkles.  The best time of day is when Daddy gets home from work.
We are training up a warrior.  It's incredible and terrifying and a great honor!  This is exactly where I want to be, Owen.  For as much as I have to teach you, there have already been an enormous amount of lessons learned.. by ME.  And I thank you!

All my love,
Mommy

I love letters!  Sweet notes from my Dad were a usual occurrence growing up.  I would write back and forth with a best friend in a secret language only we knew how to unscramble.  Passing scraps of paper through the pews in church was a favorite pass time.  Pen pals, post cards and the long, drawn out journal entries of a teenager.  As I ventured out into the world I loved finding letters tucked into my suitcase.  I expressed my love to Derek with enough notes and poems to fill a filing cabinet!  My Mom and I write back and forth now; dreams, fears, questions and recipes.  This is the language I know best.
And now I write to Owen.. for Owen.  I write to the sweet baby nestled in my arms.  I write to the man he will become.  I write in attempts to remember every single detail; discoveries, struggles and victories.   Sweet baby kisses and every single 'first'.  I write to encourage, to inspire.  I write that he might always know of my love for him!  I see things anew through the eyes of my tiny son and I am inspired.  What a beautiful life.  Owen's story is beginning to unfold and it is a privilege to be able to write some of it.

'For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.' Romans 8:38-39
The Bible is a letter from my Best Friend, a love note from my Papa.  He speaks to me in the language I know best.  It's the greatest story of all time and it is still unfolding.  God writes of discoveries, struggles and victories.  He is a parent, revealing His grand plan for our lives but allowing us to choose our own path.  He is the Bridegroom, heartbroken at the other 'lovers' we may choose, longing to be reunited with us, His bride.  He rejoices in every triumph, every baby step.  This book is fierce, unfailing love.  It is exactly what I need to know for this life, leaving just enough a mystery that I might always be digging deeper.
I have a story to tell because of Jesus.  He writes to the sinful, stubborn mess I am and calls me into the woman He created me to be, the masterpiece He sees in me.  He encourages, inspires and always reminds me of His great love and faithfulness.  He IS the Word, written for me.  Surrender, redemption and the hope of tomorrow, all in the language I know best.