Nine

How could this be? Our firstborn turned nine today; I peeked as he led the dinner prayer and marveled at the beginnings of a chiseled jaw, the no-longer-little-boy fingers clasping mine. When did he go from round baby to young man?

We walked behind him yesterday on a family hike; the army rucksack he received from Papa and Nana for his birthday hung on his back, his big black tennis shoes leaving manly footprints in the dust we walked upon after him. Suddenly, Eliana broke free from my hand and raced ahead to clasp his, and they walked this way for... forever, it seemed. I lamented not having brought the camera, but chose instead to carve the moment into my heart, to pray over the protective spirit he so naturally possesses. To thank God for his wonderful character qualities, and to be prayerful over the rest of his life as well.

It is our deepest, most heartfelt prayer that Corban- all of our children- will desire to emulate Jesus in everything. For now, at nine, he struggles with some of the same bad habits other boys his age do, and we are praying for diligence as his keepers to watch over these things as he draws closer to manhood, closer to the baptism he so desires this year.

Thank you for making us laugh, making us think, making us praise the Father, Corban! Happy birthday, young man. We love you so much- and so does Jesus!

(The song playing, "Something Beautiful" by the Newsboys, is Corban's favorite)