This week I took my first born to his first week away at camp. It’s been a long week without him. But it’s been a good week. While I miss him like crazy I know he is having a blast hiking, swimming, canoeing, and experiencing God. This week we have learned just how much we enjoying having Garrett around. My daughter has been surprised by how much she misses her “annoying” big brother. And I have had time to sit and write a letter to Garrett. This letter shares my hopes, my prayers and my dreams for him. I thought I would share it with you.
Dear Garrett,
I love you with all my heart. Do you know that? Do you feel that? Oh I pray that you do. I’ve loved you from before you were conceived. God placed the dream and desire of you in my heart. I dreamed of what you would be like and I prayed that God would help me raise you to seek Him in all that you do.
Do you know that I pray for you daily? I pray for you in the morning before I place my feet on the floor. I pray for you as I drive you to school and as you go through your day. Did you know that I kneel beside you at night as your sleeping peacefully and pray for you? I gently lay my hands on your head and your back and pray.
What do I pray? I pray God’s gentle peace will be over you. I pray His protection and guidance as you grow. I pray you will see His hand and feel His love in your life. I pray that as you grow you will seek His Will for your life. And I pray that your Dad and I will be the kind of parents who model God’s love and peace for you. As I pray for you I share my hopes and dreams with God. I ask Him to help us raise you to be a strong Godly boy and man.
Garrett you are so very smart and have the potential to be anything you desire. I pray that you will see that with hard work and perseverance you can accomplish so much, personally and in God’s Kingdom.
Do you know your sister loves you? You may not always get along and there may be days, even weeks when all you seem to do is fight and get on each other’s nerves but she looks up to you. She wants to be your friend. Your dad and I pray that no matter how much the two of you argue and fuss that you will remember to stick up for each other. You are the big brother and your roll in our family is to protect your little sister.
I pray for your friendships. I pray that you will have friends who make the right choices. And when you are faced with peer pressure to do things you know are wrong, I pray that you will be strong enough to stand up and say “No”.
As I pray for you I pray for your future wife. I pray that she will be a lady who loves God first and foremost. I pray that she will seek God’s direction for her life and while she seeks His direction for her life that He will send her to you. My prayer is that you will know how to treat her with respect and love. I pray that you will grow into the spiritual leader of your home.
But you ask how do I learn how to treat her with respect and love? How do I learn to be the spiritual leader of my home? My answer; through prayer and watching your Dad, watch how he treats me with respect and love. Watch how he guides us and makes the difficult choices for our family based on God’s guidance. And ask him, he is always willing to talk to you and help you.
My dear son, I don’t always do things right. I mess up by losing my temper when I should stay calm. I sometimes become distracted with my to-do list instead of taking the time to focus on you. But please know that no matter what I will always love you, I will always pray for you and I will always be your biggest champion.
So when days are difficult and you struggle with a decision or you’ve been hurt or misunderstood please know that you can always talk to me. I will always love you no matter what!
I love you!
Mom
