Birthday Blessings

Today my oldest child turns 21. Where did the years go? I'm absolutely certain it was just yesterday when I was holding this tiny bundle in my arms and asking the Lord to equip us with what we would need to raise this small baby boy in a manner that would be pleasing to Him. Now, here we are. No, things haven't always been smooth and easy. We've hit some rocky spots along the way and we probably will cross a few more hurdles before he's completely on his own but I pause today to say, "Thank you, Lord. Thank you for our son who turns that pivotal age of 21 today. Thank you for the gifts and talents you have placed within him. Continue to guide and direct him and may he be ever mindful that your plan and destiny for him is where his happiness and fullment lie. Give him a hunger for your word and may he always be challenged to keep you first in all things, others second and himself last. Continue to strengthen him to keep himself pure as he waits for his soulmate. And Lord, bring others into his life that will lift him up and hold him accountable to your ways. Bless him with many years, Lord, and may he praise your name all his days!"