Happy Birthday, Son! We love you!

There comes a time in every rightly constructed boy’s life when he has a raging desire to go somewhere and dig for hidden treasure.

Mark Twain

Dear Jeff, 

On this day, as many celebrate the wonderful you that you are, I want you to know that I join with them, but know that as my son, I celebrate you not just on this day but every day.

Every day, I recognize the gift God has given us in you as our son. 

We love your birthday, but we also love every one of your un-birthdays. 

I know it is traditional that on birthdays, you get gifts (and you will). 

However, for a moment, can I tell the world what a gift you are to me? You give us the gift of laughter, reflection, insight, wisdom, hope, authenticity, truth (and not in a debilitating way but a genuine way in which we have chosen to grow together), power, trial, triumph, prayer, courage, the willingness to say this is us still ‘trying,’ grace, forgiveness, hope, passion, music…oh man the music you bring gives us and the world such joy.  

Today, I honor you, love you, and speak God’s peace, joy, favor, grace, and love over you.  

Today, I declare that you see the goodness of the Lord in the Land of the Living.

Today, I speak to your value and worth in the Kingdom as a royal son of our God. 

Today, I speak to the shadows and say beware, here comes one who is indwelled with the Light of the World.

Today, I say for the whole world to know you are loved, valued, and a gift as my (our) son!

Now go out there and dig for your treasure…enjoy your adventures, and know we stand at all your shores and applaud your bravery. And if you need us on the ship, we are willing to be your crew, and if you need us to dig with you, we are all in! 

But know that you are already a treasure to us!

When a father gives to his son, both laugh; when a son gives to his father, both cry. – William Shakespeare

Thanks for giving us both!!!

Happy Birthday!