Dear Judah,
A very happy 5th birthday to you.
People tell me often that your dad is a lot like me. I guess you have to be on the outside looking in because I would never make that kind of comparison. It must be the mannerisms because it is certainly not the hairline.
Well, even at 5 years old I can see at least 4 ways that you are already like your dad. Like father like son. And this is a good thing. I would not say this about just any dad but your dad is a man worth being like.
First of all, you have an amazing memory. I notice this especially when it comes to songs but I have no doubt that remembering things comes easy to you. I was always amazed at how easy it was for your dad not just to memorize songs but also Bible verses and other information he had to learn. This is a great gift and one that the Lord will use in your life in lots of different ways.
Second, you are very playful. Your dad still likes to play. Still likes to be silly. Still likes to have fun. This “like father like son” trait will help to connect you to people. It will also keep you from taking things too seriously all the time. Sometimes a little silliness is needed to help deal with the harsh realities that this life will bring and will help to lighten the mood when the darkness settles in.
Third, you have a strong will. Sometimes a strong will can come across in a bad way. But a strong will can be a very good thing. A strong will surrendered to the Lord leads to strong convictions and a determination to obey the Word when the world is challenging you to do otherwise. A strong will will help you to do the right thing when nobody is watching and will help you to get back up and press on after failure.
Lastly, you are the youngest of three siblings. Just like your dad. Birth order advocates will tell you that there is a lot of significance to being the youngest. But as the youngest with two older sisters you are positioned well to learn how to relate to and treat the opposite sex. This will prove to be invaluable as you grow up and anticipate having a family of your own.
Like father like son!
But it is even more important that you be like Father like son. So just as our heavenly Father is compassionate and loving and forgiving and patient and generous and faithful and gracious so my prayer for you as you grow up is that you will become more and more like our heavenly Father. Ephesians 5:1 says:
“Be imitators of God as beloved children”
Like Father like son!
I’m very excited about the man you are already becoming. You will do well to follow in the footsteps of your dad. But you will do even better to follow in the footsteps of your Father.
Never forget that you are very loved!
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