Happy Birthday Zachary

Hey Zach,

You're four years old today! Happy Birthday, Buddy. I am so blessed to have you in my life.

I fell in love with you the day that Mom told me that she was pregnant. For nine long months Mom and Dad waited for our little guy to be born. When you came -- wow -- did our world change. You came in the midst of a huge transition for your family. Just two weeks after you were born, we moved to Minnesota. Your early life was a whirlwind, but you were the sweetest little guy. If ever a baby went with the flow, it was you. We still thank God for your personality. You've brought even more joy to a home that was filled with three other joyful children.

You're getting to be a big boy now. You finished your first year of preschool last week. You have been riding your brother's big boy bike. You are starting baseball next month. You're growing up sooo fast. It's hard to believe four years have come and go.

On your birthday I say, "Thank You." Thank you for one last night of three-year-old hugs and kisses that you offered so freely to Mom, Dad, Breanna, Chris and Jeremy last night. Thank you for the four-year-old hugs and kisses that you couldn't wait to give when you woke up this morning. Thank you for your fun little giggles. Thank you for your bigger than life four year old sense of adventure.

As you turn four there is one thing that I am especially grateful for. It's an event that happened fifteen nights ago. Do you remember? It was Mother's Day evening, and your big brother Chris took you into your bedroom. You had all sorts of questions about Jesus, and for 45 minutes Chris explained God's love to you. When you came out of that room, you announced to us all that you were a Christian, because you'd asked Jesus to forgive your sins and come into your heart.

Zachary, I'm proud of you. I'm so happy that you love Jesus. And, I love you. Happy Birthday!

"Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for he grants sleep to those he loves. Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate."

Psalm 127