Happy Birthday, Kyle!

 

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate. (Psalm 127:3-5 ESV).

 

There’s a saying I read recently that rings true for all parents: Having a child is like having your heart walking around outside of your body. As any mother or father knows, the process of raising a child is rich with emotions, uncertainties, joys, and sorrows. Whether you’re a parent, expectant parent, or grandparent, there’s an endless well of comfort, advice, and Scriptures to draw upon. After all, we’re all children of God, so it’s no surprise His Word is full of parenting wisdom, and understanding, when it comes to the unconditional love (as well as the worrying, discipline, and second-guessing) that goes into caring for another human.

 

If you read yesterday’s devotional, “Thin Places,” you know the basis from which I am writing today’s birthday thought. It is Kyle’s 47^th birthday today. There are so many rich examples over the years that underscore how he has been one of my “thin places.” All my children and grandchildren have provided me with innumerable times when I felt so close to the Lord that it seemed as if there was but a thin veil separated me from being physically present with Him. The photo today is but one of those moments Kyle and I shared last year.

 

The place is the campus of Texas A&M University. He and I stopped to walk across the campus after the memorial service for my oldest brother, Frank, which was held in the Houston-Galveston area. The trip was only a five hour trip, though we made it longer by stopping in College Station for our trip down memory-lane. The emotions of the day were filled with both feelings of joy and sadness. There was great joy in being together celebrated the history of the years with him and sadness as we remembered the life of my brother. When we stopped by the statue of Lawrence Sullivan Ross (“Sully”) in front of the Academic Building for the photos, I remember thinking that God’s gift of my children and grandchildren were indeed like “arrows in my quiver” against any enemy that might wish me harm.

 

I am indeed blessed with a “full quiver”! Thank you Mary for being with me in the journey; and, thank you Kyle, David, and Aaron for this incredible heritage. Happy Birthday, Kyle!