Happy 17th Birthday, Zachary!!

 

Happy birthday to our second child/oldest son!  I've been saying he's 17 for a few months, so it seems perfectly normal that he really is 17 years old now!  But the strange thing is....he actually seems even older.  Seriously.

Zachary has always been mature. He has assumed the "man of the house" role when my husband's gone for many years and is a natural family leader.  He's a hard worker, like his dad.  He loves working in the yard, garden, etc.....anything outside.  Also like his dad!  

When Zachary was little, he wanted to wear a suit or tie each Sunday morning - just like his dad.  Do you see a pattern here?  Yes, Zachary is a LOT like his dad!  But, he does have some of my characteristics, as well.  :)  

I think what has made Zachary seem the most grown up lately is that he has been assuming more roles in the worship services.  In the past year, he's become the power point operator (I guess that's what you would call it!). He has served the Lord's Supper to the church ever since he became a Christian at age nine, but a few months ago, our elders decided to have a communion devotional.  Zachary did his first communion devo a few weeks ago.  He did a great job!  Right at that moment, he didn't seem like a young man any more.  He seemed like a MAN man!

The Lord's Supper isn't anything to laugh about, of course, but that day we did actually have something happen that did cause us to laugh inside.  Several trays of the juice - the fruit of the vine - fell!  It was a loud and big crash!  Zachary had to do the next part of the service (giving) immediately following that crash....and handled it maturely and calmly!  I'm not sure everyone could have done that!

I'm not ready to have an empty nest, but I am getting more and more excited about seeing my children grow up.  I'll miss the ballgames, the fun extra-curricular activities, and having them here all of the time.  I'll miss that very, very much.  But, I have to say that I am really excited to see what God has planned for each of their lives.

God has already worked in Zachary's life, and I know He will continue to do so.  I love watching him grow and mature as a young man (or a MAN man!) and also as a Christian.  Zachary is a great example to all who know him.  He's a leader, but a follower of Jesus.  I am extremely proud to call him my son.  I pray that God will bless him with many more years of service in His kingdom.

(The white ball looking blobs are supposed to be golf balls, but I forgot to make the indentions until last minute! So, the indentions were made with something way too big!! Haha! Oh, well!)

Zachary,

I love you forever and always!  Thank you for being YOU! Your dad and I are so blessed to have you as our son.  We are here for you and always will be.  Thank you for being such a great Christian example to others....and even to us.  We look forward to seeing you grow to be what God wants you to be.  Also strive to follow His Will for your life.  And let Him direct your path - always.

Love, MOM