This Guy......

In our house, we celebrate Spiritual Birthdays. That day when the kids gave their life to Christ. For Jarod, it's been 13 years today.  He was exactly 4.5 years old.  I was worried at the time because that seemed so young, but spending the majority of his little life around my mom who was dying of ALS, there was so much more talk of heaven and Jesus than may have been normally.

Jarod came as a surprise to Russell and I.  A wonderful surprise!  And after my mom died, I came to know and understand that even at the young age of 3, God had created Him for a specific purpose.  His timing was perfect.  Jarod was the light and the laughter in our home during a very sad time.  He was the perfect distraction, the perfect gift.

As the years have unfolded, and now he is approaching adulthood, I continue to see God using him in so many ways.  He is still figuring out what His future holds, but in the meantime, I am continually watching God use him in the lives of others.  His compassion, his creativity, his sense of humor (so like his dad!) and his steadfastness in his beliefs make me so proud.  God is shaping Him into the man He needs Him to be and I am thankful that I get to watch it all unfold.  I am so grateful for this crazy, fun loving guy.  He's my favorite 17 year old EVER.

Jarod, today we celebrate the eternal life that God has given you!  You were created for a purpose and He has GREAT plans for you!  Living in that purpose and that plan is the absolute BEST place you can ever be.  It may be difficult at times, but it will bring so much joy and peace.  Thank you for who you are and what you add to our family.  Dad and I are so proud of you and you are loved more than you will ever know!