Happy Birthday, Brandon!

My oldest son is 13 today! Wow- 13! So many things come to mind now that I officially have a teenager. Yes, there is some fear and trepidation, but I'm excited for this next journey...at least I think I am! Oh I remember the day he was born, his first word being "ball" and not mom (which should've been a sign of the basketball player to come), learning to ride a bike, first day of school, etc, etc. But what I cling to most when I look back at the motion-picture-turned-snapshots (thanks Pastor John for putting that into words!), is the 'light of my life' that Brandon is and the 'light of the world' that I pray he is becoming. Before he was born, we knew we were having a boy and had already chosen his name: Brandon- which means beacon light. I also chose a 'life verse' for him that I could give as a promise from God. (I've posted it in 'my favorite verse for today', and it's Matthew 5:14-16.) It's crazy how everything comes together like his name meaning 'beacon light' and his verse about being a 'light of the world'. But is it really that crazy when we stop to think about our God?? He IS in the details, even the details we don't think are important like a life verse or a name. Brandon is a leader. He succeeds in ways I never dreamed and 'shines' in ways I could never have imagined. My Big B is 13 today, and I am so proud of who he is and excited to see who he becomes. Shine your light, Brandon, as only you can and let God shine through you in everything you do! Happy Birthday!