I’m not the kind of mom who sews. I’m not the kind who is talented enough to make commemorative quilts. I don’t even crochet. But I am a weaver of words, and so, for your 21st birthday this is what I’ve created for you, from my heart.
You are approaching a milestone. By turning 21, the government and our society will tell you that you now have the right to do certain things. At 18 you were already old enough to vote and to sign up for military enlistment. Generally speaking, most would say you now have reached the threshold of manhood. Responsibilities, rites of passage…reaching this birthday means you are now ready for it all. A “switch” somewhere has magically flipped, and suddenly you are expected to be independent, to leave your childhood behind in the rear view mirror as you step on the gas and get in the passing lane. I understand that excitement…but always know that as long as the Lord allows, we are here for you. It’s okay to need a map. We’ll still help you sort out your route. It’s even okay to mess up and need “roadside assistance”. Some days, no matter how big your arsenal of tools, the one thing that will do the job is good, old fashioned fatherly wisdom.
I’ve loved watching you mature through the years. Some young men your age have foolishly lived their lives according to Peter Pan’s motto, “I’ll never grow up!” I’m grateful you are not one of them. We’ve tried to instruct you in not only the importance of reputation (what others perceive you to be) but also in character (what God knows you to be). You are industrious and have a strong work ethic that is uncommon for young men these days. You also have a level of compassion that sets you apart. You’ll remember numerous late night talks where I tried to “open my mouth with wisdom” encourage you to stay sensitive even when other boys thought it was weird. Now more than ever, the world needs to see this kind of manhood that isn’t hard but is strong and isn’t soft but is tender. Psalm 112 maps it all out…and also reminds us (v. 10) that this way is contrary to what the world teaches:
Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!)
Blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the man who fears the Lord [with awe-inspired reverence and worships Him with obedience],
Who delights greatly in His commandments.
2 His descendants will be mighty on earth;
The generation of the upright will be blessed.
3 Wealth and riches are in his house,
And his righteousness endures forever.
4 Light arises in the darkness for the upright;
He is gracious and compassionate and righteous (upright—in right standing with God).
5 It is well with the man who is gracious and lends;
He conducts his affairs with justice.
6 He will never be shaken;
The righteous will be remembered forever.
7 He will not fear bad news;
His heart is steadfast, trusting [confidently relying on and believing] in the Lord.
8 His heart is upheld, he will not fear
While he looks [with satisfaction] on his adversaries.
9 He has given freely to the poor;
His righteousness endures forever;
His horn will be exalted in honor.
10 The wicked will see it and be angered,
He will gnash his teeth and melt away [in despair and death];
The desire of the wicked will perish and come to nothing.
You are blessed to have a Dad who has lived out, by example, how to “do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with thy God”. While the world would have young men clamor for possessions, fun/recreation, trophies, awards, and admiration of others, your Dad has tried to show you that mere happiness is a fleeting thing. In his own way, he has often said (in word or in action) “my son, give me your heart and let your eyes observe my ways“. It’s a legacy of priceless value. Stuff will break and rust. Achievements and admiration will be forgotten. The exhilaration of fun and adventures and recreation will fade like a mist and always leave a certain ache for something more…and that is the peace and joy that is found only in walking with your God.
“Mark the blameless man [who is spiritually complete], and behold the upright [who walks in moral integrity]; There is a [good] future for the man of peace [because a life of honor blesses one’s descendants].” Psalm 37:37
This has been long. Thanks for bearing with me. This is my birthday wish for you. I love you.
❤️