"1st Grade, August 10, 2015"!

I could write a novel here, about the past 6 years leading up to this day in time and history. Bringing home this little bundle of joy (no pun intended!), having him home with me every day for 6 years, minus a couple of days of preschool between ages 4-6, and now watching him take on the face and characteristics of a young man, is all at once startling and remarkable satisfying. Elijah is ready for this step, more than ready actually. It is probably more his momma that wasn't ready, but in a strange way, really I was. I know I have a job to do, and that is not to keep him under my wings forever and shelter him from the forces of the wind and the world, but to train this young man to fly with a far better pilot beside him than me - his Heavenly Father. Yes, I would love more than anything in this world to protect him from all harm, all evil, and all hurt, but I know my limitations....., but with Christ, there are no limitations to His superior ability to love and protect my sweet son - and to catch him when he falls, which he will.  But, learning what to do when he does fall is more important.  So, with these things in mind, and with a enormous lump in my throat, I sent him off into the world. Elijah's compassion for people, empathy for others' pain, his quiet servant leadership ability, and his conscientious spirit, will carry him far in this life. I sense the Holy Spirit already at work in this little boy's heart, and my prayer is that Elijah will grow a discerning ear to be able to know the difference in the many voices which will be shouting his name. I am praying he will be able to stand confidently in his convictions, and that he will have the confidence to follow the Spirit's quiet and gentle voice, and not the other voices which will be booming in his head as he grows. The loudest voice is not always the strongest. I pray he will come to know and believe that truth.

I could not be more humbled, more honored, and more proud to be the mother of this fine young man. To God be all the glory for this child, Elijah, whose name means, "The Lord is my God". May he grow to know and believe these words, may they shape his identity, and may they be his rock and his refuge in this life.

I have to note, that while driving to school on the 1st day, he lost a tooth!! We were sitting at a red light and he said, "it's out, it's out, it's out, I lost it"!  I turned around, and sure enough there was a tooth in his hand.  Thank you Jesus for this sweet little diversion of 1st day nerves!  He was all smiles walking in :)