Dad's Letter to Elijah

A gift from God should never be taken for granted. And so, I pray that God will remind me how blessed I am with three wonderful sons and a beautiful wife, but today I am extra thankful for you on your birthday. Eight years passes very quickly and I even now regret the days I rushed through and missed those special moments. You are born to lead, but often content to follow. You are a TRUE boy. You love sports, being outside and playing with friends. You are loyal to those you call friend and always wanting to help those that may not fit in. You have eyes that one day will turn the girls heads and I pray that God gives you wisdom at that time!!! There seems to be nothing that you won't try and be good at. I pray that God gives you a ministry where you use your talents to serve Him. I love to hear you laugh and I love the crazy messages that you leave on my cell phone while I am work. Though your current "stage" has brought out some of your temper and attitude, I know your true heart, a heart that loves God and wants to do what is right. I love the fact that you can want to play basketball outside one minute and be content sitting in my lap watching a movie the next. I pray that God gives you wisdom to make good choices throughout your life : in choosing friends, in choosing what to do, and choosing your spouse (I can't believe I just said that)! You are a joy like no other. You are not like your other brothers. God created you special, for a special purpose. I pray that God helps us to help you find that purpose and you fulfill it one day. So enjoy playing all the sports you can. Enjoy coloring and drawing and making things. Enjoy making friends and laughing. Just know that all along, you have a Mom and Dad who are praying for you and love you very much.

Love,

Dad