Thirteen.

 The years keep passing despite my efforts to freeze time. It’s impossible to believe my firstborn son is entering his teen years today. Can we rename thirteen to something without “teen” on the end? Thirtven has a nice ring to it, don’t you think?

Thrift Store Prom

Oh, my Levi. Observing Levi as he ages and grows is honestly one of my greatest joys. Man he makes me proud. The boy is unapologetically himself at all times. He is not interested in the influence of anyone else because he is as certain of himself as he is that the sun will rise each morning. And I absolutely LOVE that quality in him. It’s truly something special that I have prayed since he was five years old that he never loses. 

The bridge between child and teen often feels like crossing a suspension bridge - steadying your feet and holding on tight as everything around you feels like it’s moving. But nothing is actually moving at all. Everything is as it always was and you’re the one moving - changing. You start off unsure, taking steps slowly as you ease into getting the hang of things. Testing the waters of new freedoms and bits of independence. With each step you get a little more comfortable and sure of yourself and by the time you reach the end you’re gliding on along, not even looking down at your feet. You step off the bridge, look back and think “that wasn’t so hard after all!” I pray that when he eventually takes those final steps off that bridge one day we can BOTH look back and say that! (Can I get an amen moms?)

In his element - waiting for a concert with a book. Two of his favorite things!

As Levi starts the path that will surely shake, wobble and sway at times - I pray that the journey across will be the adventure of a lifetime, and that he walks with the confidence he keeps in knowing who he is, Whose he is, and knowing Who is walking beside him. 

Keep walking with Jesus, Weebie. Pursue your relationship with Him every day. He will keep your feet steady and your path straight. 



I can hear my baby now, reciting this verse at 2 years old, sounding like this, “Trust in da Yord wiff all your heart, and yeen not on your own understanding. In all your ways, a-knowledge Him, and He will keep your paff STRAIGHT!” 

I love you, love you, love you! 

Happy Birthday!