First things first, son, I know you’ll be reading this letter much later in life, but go wipe your face.

You see, as I write you this note today, you’re only seven years old, and you’ve got the biggest dimpled grin I’ve ever seen. But you’ve also got the hardest time cleaning whatever’s left of that chocolate bar or ketchup or popsicle out of the corners of your mouth and seem to require a reminder from mommy to go scrub up.

But, really, I just want to get you in front of a mirror.

I want you to look at those big, brown eyes of yours and see a trace of me looking back.

God managed to give you every single one of your daddy’s handsome traits, but some people have said you’ve got my eyes.

That makes me smile every time.

The truth is you’ve got so much more of me than my eyes.

You’ve got my sensitive heart. My belly laugh. You’ve got my tendency to doubt yourself and a shared delight in helping others.

I am so proud of who you are. 

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You’ve already faced sicknesses and hurt feelings and strikeouts. You’ve always been so much braver than me. You’ve helped make me brave, too.

You’ve learned to trust God at such a young age and to listen to Jesus and are already discipling your brothers to know His better way.

Over the years, I’ve watched God answering those nightly prayers I’ve whispered over you as you’ve slept—Lord, help him grow in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.

And look at you now, son.

And I know God is faithful to keep growing you and using you to shine His light in the dark world.

Son, I’ve prayed so many prayers. 

For your friends.

For your family.

I love them dearly. 

I love who you are to them.

Their champion.

Their hero.

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I pray for God to use you however He’s planned to grow His Kingdom.

Always trust His timing.

Trust His will and way according to His Holy Word.

Seek Him first always.

Remember how we studied how David defeated that giant with a stone and God’s strength?

That lesson was always a favorite of yours.

Know God is helping you defeat giants, too.

And I don’t know what they all may look like for you today, but I know God does. And He’s plenty tougher.

Wear His armor.

And be confident.

Because you know God wins.

Because you know . . . 

With God, ALL things are possible. 

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Just as we raised our voices in worship together years ago—even when we don’t see it, God is working.

He is working all things out for your good and for His glory.

ALL things.

Finally, you know I love you with all of my heart. 

And you know God loves us even more than that.

He is going to bring us home one day.

He is going to throw us a huge party one day.

And maybe there will be LEGO blocks.

Maybe there will be ice cream and baseball.

But what I do know is this—Jesus is there.

And when you see Him, that dimpled grin won’t leave your face.

It won’t leave mine either.

The best is still yet to come, son.

The best is yet to come.

Love,
Mommy