He's compassionate, sensitive, gentle but still all boy, incredibly artistic, tender-hearted, kind, caring, athletic, a Lego genius, a godly boy, easy going, a talented surfer, musical, an extremely special person, and so much like his dad.
Today as I celebrate Brodie, my first born son, on his 10th birthday, my heart rejoices that God has blessed me with this child...and he won't be a child much longer. He's sprouting like a weed these days and yet, his heart is innocent as ever. I love that about my Brodie.
From the time Brodie was just a baby, I could sense his sensitivity, his tenderness. He is and always has been a dear little boy. He never gave me much trouble. He's always been respectful, devoted, and obedient. And, even as he's matured and needed correction, he responds in a way where I can see he's learning and listening. He's getting it.
Most importantly, Brodie is growing to understand that his life is not about himself. Brodie knows that he is here on earth to glorify God with his life. He knows that his exceptional artistic and athletic abilities were given to him by God, to honor Him. He knows that everything he does should be motivated toward pleasing Him. He knows that we love others with the love of Jesus so that they might come to know Him. He knows that it's all about Jesus.
To see the emotion in Brodie's heart the day we welcomed home Noble and India, was to experience depth of care for others beyond his years. This is a gift from God. It's not something we teach, though we can certainly nurture it. The Spirit of God inhabits Brodie's young heart and it seeps from his soul. His sweet tenderness with his new siblings is inspiring. He is gentle and loving and genuinely considerate of what they are going through.
As I reflect on the potential for Brodie's life, my greatest prayer for my beloved son is that he would spend himself serving God in whatever capacity He deems best. My most valued hope for Brodie is that he would see his life as being orchestrated by God for eternal purposes. I'm prayerful and hopeful and trusting God for the results.
Lord, as I praise you and thank you for blessing my life with my treasured son, Brodie, I ask that you would incline his heart toward you all the days of his life, that he would seek you first above all things, that he would live for you and love others because of you. May he bring glory to you, God, as he journeys through life, forging a path of hope for others in your name. Amen.
"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." Matthew 6:33
"I can do all things through him
who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
