To My Son On His Birthday

My son Josh is turning 15.  It will be a birthday celebration like none other. Every effort must be made to keep the gallivanting to a minimum.  We actually thought the curfew time was earlier so we didn’t have any big expectations.

Ordinarily, he would be celebrating with a host of friends who always had a plan up their sleeves.  They were adventurous and imaginative.  They had to hang out for the entire day doing the things they love – Go-carting, video games, football, you name it.

Not so this year which is all about physical distancing, masks, sanitizing, limited number of people in any one space and the latest party app.

He was born on Labour Day and labour I did.  I thought I died so many times over.  But the contractions were still there and so were my husband, the nurses, my parents and our Pastor. 

After all of that and tons of drama over the years that followed, I want my only son to learn some precious lessons. 

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In life there will be challenges that can cause real pain.  Don’t give up!  Think of how the Bible captures childbirth: “A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world.” (John 16:21).  Your arrival brought so much joy to us as a family that was now complete having had one little girl before.  And imagine, I thought I would have given up this time because the pain was excruciating.  But I was encouraged by those surrounding me…don’t give up now!

Son, aren’t’ you glad I didn’t give up? (Ha!).  The same is true about academic pursuits, which are particularly difficult during COVID.  You are distracted by being home.  The online classes are on and off.  Everyone is trying to adapt to new ways of doing things.  And you are learning how to make adjustments, set routines and take responsibility for your own progress.  These, will serve you well as a student leader.  You have the makings of an advocate.  Your discussions have shown that you are a thinker.  Tap into that and channel your energies towards representing the voices of those who need assistance.  Share your views with respect and humility because you don’t know everything.  You knew that!

When the going gets tough, the tough gets going.  That is a popular saying.  Embrace it and don’t wilt under pressure.  You got this! Get tougher.  Tough experiences will only make you stronger mentally, emotionally and spiritually.  Now is the time to exercise your faith muscle in Jesus.  Your sister had a deadline extended.  That is the hand of God.  Prove Him for yourself too.  What you sow, you will reap.  Don’t give up! Be bold as a lion! We love you…and I’ve got more lessons for ya!  But I will just chill now…

We celebrate you on your birthday!

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