Where did the years go? It seems only yesterday that you and I were playing drums with the pots and pans and you were chasing the dog around the table.  You – the first of my grandchildren – the brainy one, the serious one, the dedicated, structured, play by the rules one.

We always expect the most from the first – the first time we encounter a change in our lives – the first words out of our mouths – the first date – the first job – the first kiss.  God gives us a whole lists of firsts to greet each and every day. Finding the balance is the hard part.  Expecting too much from those first times can lead to high expectations, but also allows us to reach for the stars.

You are now a man – not the little boy anymore – but I still treasure so many of your growing up moments.  When you first discovered the bugs living under a rock and how upset you got when I stepped on one of them.  Your compassion for that bug should’ve been a clue as to the man you’d some day become.  There were the laughs we shared, the disappointments, changes, goals accomplished, hopes and dreams, all things that helped to shape you into who you are now.

You’ve been blessed with wonderful parents, who love you and have always given you an opportunity to grow in your faith and trust in the Lord for all things.  Your love for Him is so evident in all that you do.  I pray that you will continue to depend on Him as the guide for each event that carries you through life.  With Him at your side, you can’t lose.

You are at a point now, where you will soon be making career choices and life changing decisions will be almost a daily occurrence.   I am confident that you are on the right path.  There will be many more “firsts” coming your way.  Embrace them, greet them with high expectations, allow them to continue to shape you.  You are God’s child and you are loved by many.

Happy birthday, Jordan!