Happy Birthday, Brandon.

Brandon’s big day!
August 22, 1992, Brandon was born at 7:10 pm. He came as an early surprise since we were told his arrival would be September 7th. (Now, after the third I figured out that all of my kids come two weeks early!) Brandon was a very colicky, a difficult baby…my firstborn, of course! But, after reaching that 6 month milestone, the colicky, crying slowed down and his laughing personality came through. He was such a cutie! He could make anyone laugh. He was funny, silly, and his facial expressions were delightful. He loved life and everything to him was an adventure. He was happy, exciting, giving, loving, and always had a mysterious sparkle in his eye. His spontaneous laughter warmed our whole day!
The years went by…his adventurous spirit got him many unwanted bruises and even a broken ankle for the first day of school of 1st grade. Many times he won awards for being the most talkative in class. Remembering the early years and the attention he received for his cleverness he became an expert at telling stories…some true...most not true. We still laugh at the story when he insisted to some friends that he had a blue dog! He loved/loves to exaggerate!
The teen years came by. I didn’t know that even teens could be so colicky. We definitely had our power struggles. Doors were slammed, walls were kicked, and my heart was crushed. Where was that happy, funny, adventurous boy? Who was this “man” bigger than me?
One day the Lord put on my heart to share this with him. I told him how cute he was as a toddler. I mentioned his gift of giving, telling stories, his love for life. He was funny. He was loving. Jesus taught us to become as little children. Jesus wants him to be the person He created in him. The stories of his childhood made us all laugh and I encouraged him bring back that happiness that he once showed in early life, to become a child again. He should leave his bitterness and anger behind.
As we struggle to raise teens, I know our battles are not over, but I see the work of the Holy Spirit in Brandon. We have come a long way, through pain and victory, but we’re thankful we have a special guide.
Today he is 15. Pray that he will always hold the door opened to the Spirit’s leading. Pray that he will be moulded and shaped into that beautiful son God wants him to be. Pray for his happy, forgiving personality and that he could always use those gifts for God’s glory. Pray for his health, his studies, his decisions, and his future.
Happy Birthday, Brandon. WE LOVE YOU!

P.S. ...written by permission of the birthday boy!