Our Inspired Journey

My Dear Ryder Daniel,

You have been 5 years old now for a month and really sprouted up before our eyes in so many ways, I had to write them down so we could look back someday and marvel together at the journey God has you on at this point in your life! :)

You began your 5th year of life holding your new baby sister, as she breathed her first breaths on your birthday, her birth-day...the one you will share with for the rest of your lives. What a beautiful bond given to you by the Lord. Your sweet little face lit up with awe, wonder and joy as you met her for the first time. I knew the Lord had given you a spirit of love and maturity toward her when instead of being bummed that your own birthday plans would have to change, you held her and said, "Mom, this is the best birthday present EVER!" God has given you a spirit of compassion. It is beautiful to watch unfold as you encounter different circumstances in your life. :)

You cry during the sad parts of movies, ask questions when you are confused by something, run to join other kids at the park or church when you used to cling tightly to my leg in new situations....I say it to you all the time now...YOU ARE GROWING UP!!! You just learned to tie your shoes, just became interested in practicing piano (and love notating what you play in your music notebook), can read incredibly and memorize scripture...praise the LORD! Last year, you weren't a huge fan of writing and drawing but as you develop more patience and fine motor skills, you now love to draw and include may details in your drawings :) You are an incredible big brother to your siblings and we are praying for increased self-control as you learn to be patient when buildings you've built get knocked over, or Cole doesn't follow your lead (though you have incredible persuasive skills!) You are a leader, and a great friend to those you are around, never asserting your own way, but taking others ideas into account :)

So many of these things, sweet boy, are a testimony to the Lord's work in our heart. Where you used to get react very quickly to frustrating situations, letting them anger or discourage you or cause you to fear, I see more evidence of the Fruit of the Spirit in you. I'm proud of you sweet one. I know that you are excited to go to school everyday next year and love the days you go to preschool now, but I am so thankful we still get to have "Mommy-Ryder time" everyday while your sisters are sleeping and Cole is at school. I love hearing you say..."Mom? Are you ready to play?" The Lord has reminded me through you, how important it is to put everything else on hold sometimes and be still...to take the moments I can to give you my full attention.

More than any of the rest of it, Ry...more than anything you could ever learn to do or accomplish, my prayer is that you learn how priceless it is to be able to approach God and to know He is fully available to you. The beautiful God we serve waits to hear from you, and speak into your life, making it so much more meaningful than a list of accomplishments. He has a plan for you each day, to love and know Him more and to serve others out of the love you have for Him. It's a beautiful thing to see you light up as you learn scripture and not just learn the words, but let the truth seep into your heart and transform you. I am praying the Lord continues to guard your heart and mind as you grow, protecting you from things that could harm you, and filling you with His truth...cling to what is GOOD!

Your inquisitive mind is so much fun right now as you are always asking how something works or why things are the way they are. I have to say my favorite, though is the way you correct Daddy and I if you think we need it...telling Daddy to stop biting his nails, remind us to use our blinker if we're going to turn (in the car), telling us to chew with our mouth closed during dinner and to not talk with our mouth full...basically anything we've asked you to do at some point, you feel is fair game to be repeated back to us :) It's very funny right now, though sometimes we have to remind you not to be disrespectful!

Happy 5th year of life sweet boy! I'm so thankful I get to be your mommy through it all! You are an amazing creation of our God, and I couldn't love you more!!!

Love,

Mommy :)