Birthday Musings

“Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him.” Psalm127:3

It was a cold, windy but sunny day 22 years ago, when 8 lbs 6oz changed my life forever. Joshua’s birth made me a dad for the first time (6 more wonderful people would follow) and started me on a journey to become a better man. His birth marked a change of direction for me and I believe he was chosen for that task. God used Josh to teach me many things, like patience, faithfulness and trust. The most important thing he used our relationship for was teaching me more about love, how to give and how to receive…love.

His birthday is also significant for another reason. After his birth, I left the hospital to prepare for another event…my mom’s wake. She had been in the hospital for weeks leading up to the birth; she tried to hang on to see my first born, but passed away 3 days prior. It was a strange day, going to hospital to funeral home and back to the hospital later that night. I was happy-sad if you know what I mean. The good news is that my mom accepted Christ in her hospital room just a few days before she passed away. So, in a way, I was celebrating two birth-days.

Josh’s connection to this is one of hope, yes I know he didn’t choose that connection but God did. Josh, like his siblings, is the great reward of my life. They are the trophy for a job well done and a testament to what God is doing inside of me.

Josh is a man now, one I’m very proud of. We are friends and brothers as well as father and son. We share a special relationship that causes me to rejoice and thank God for. The song that I have included speaks of that relationship and the hope for more.

Happy Birthday Josh…I love you! Dad

"You don't raise heroes, you raise sons. If you treat them like sons, they'll turn out to be heroes, even if it's just in your own eyes." - Walter Schirra Sr.

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