Sunday, September 11, 2016

Happy Birthday, Wazowski!!

It's your golden birthday, Dude (and if, like me for much of my life, random readers have never heard of a golden birthday, it's the year of life that matches up with the day of the month on which you were born. For example, Mikey was born on September 11, so his eleventh birthday is his golden birthday. At least this is what my Minnesotan husband tells me. But it's cold in Minnesota. So there's that)!!

Mikey, you are one awesome kid. You can try my patience like none other, but then you flash your darn dimples and, yeah. I'm a sucker for your dimples. And your crazy bear hugs. I'm a sucker for those, too.

This last year has been a really good year for you. You've grown a lot. You can still try our patience like none other, but you seem to be growing in wisdom and self-control. We see more and more evidence of those characteristics in your life. You're also more quickly taking responsibility for your action and seeking a resolution. That's a sign of great maturity. Well done, son. Keep it up!

You have commentary for any and every subject matter that comes up, regardless of your level of expertise in the area. Seriously -- you should talk to your dad about getting your own YouTube channel. I'm pretty sure we could make some $$ off of that.

You challenge me and remind me so much of myself in so many ways. You're good at debate and you're quick to justify and defend. Just remember to justify the just and defend the weak and the righteous, and you will do well.

You're also passionate, emotional, and intense (and these are qualities that I've been accused of a time or two in my life, let me tell ya). And do you know what? Those are GOOD qualities. God created us with a full range of emotions. He never meant for us to be apathetic and disinterested in matters of this world. Just remember that our thoughts are the tracks that carry our emotions in the directions that they will go. So take your thoughts captive. Choose compassion, grace and kindness over self-interest and self-righteousness. Choose gratitude and contentment instead of self-pity and frustration. Choose mercy over anger and bitterness. Control your thoughts, and let those drive your emotions.

Philippians 4:8 says, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."

You have an amazing ability to put your thoughts into words, and when you grasp a concept, your enthusiasm in contagious. I love seeing you learn, and I love learning from you.

We love you, Mikey, and we are so proud of you. We thank God that He made you just the way He did. You're a gift to us, and we enjoy you so much. May you continue to grow more and more into the man He created you to be. Happy, happy birthday!!