1st grade.

My Dearest Zack,

In the morning when you wake up, you will set out on an incredible new adventure! First grade!!! Holy moly, that snuck right up on me. It's the moment that I've been both preparing you for and dreading since the day you were born. I have to share you with the world from 9:10-3:25 every day of the week! 

Man, I'm sure going to miss you. 

*You are a ray of sunshine and an immense joy from those first few snuggles in the morning to that very last kiss at night. 
*You have taught me to love in a way that I never comprehended was possible. 
*You have given an incredible purpose to my everyday, ordinary life. 
*You, my son, are an incredible gift. 

And as much as I want to hold you so tight every moment of every single day, I know the world desperately needs you. 

The world needs to know that incredible LOVE and JOY that you bring. Your friends at school need to be cheered up by YOUR smile and those precious dimples. Your teachers need to know that they are impacting a generation by those sweet hugs that YOU so freely offer. 

But most importantly my dear boy, the world needs you to show them the way to Jesus. 

They need to know the story of hope and redemption - that there is a Creator - Redeemer God that LOVES them, RESCUES them, and REDEEMS them when they thought all was lost.

You see Zack, you carry the hope of the world in your heart. 
You love like Jesus. 
You offer another dimension to life that most people have never experienced. "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill that cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16

So my precious child, GO! Go out into all the world. Love people. Proclaim Jesus. Enjoy this life. Laugh with your friends. Run like crazy at recess. Soak it all in. Because it is so very rich and full of abundant blessings.

Zack, I am so proud of you. 

Everyday I am humbled at the opportunity to be your mom.

"So this is my prayer: that your love will flourish and that you will not only love much but well. Learn to love appropriately. You need to use your head and test your feelings so that your love is sincere and intelligent, not sentimental gush. Live a lover's life, circumspect and exemplary, a life Jesus will be proud of: bountiful in fruits from the soul, making Jesus Christ attractive to all, getting everyone involved in the glory and praise of God." Philippians 1:9-11 (msg)

I love you my precious child. You are going to love 1st grade. And I'm here fighting for you every step of the way. Go get 'em Zack!!!

Love,
Mom