There’s something about turning six. Six seems to mark the beginning of boyhood. There’s no more “T” behind clothing sizes! Two of mine have already arrived, and after today’s birthday–I now have three. Sigh…I think he even smells different to me. 
Number 3 is the middle child, and for all you middle children out there…you know how it can be. Sometimes middle children are the loudest because it’s the most difficult to be heard. Sometimes middle children are the most reserved about their feelings because they are trying to determine what is expected of them. Sometime middle children take the longest to figure out who they really are with all the commotion going on before and behind him. My Number 3 has been all of these, and yet, he is truly his own unique self. There is no one quite like him
This boy…
- gives the most sincere hugs,
- expresses gratitude and remorse with almost no prompting
- shows love by doing, with action
- is pleased and blessed by the simplest of joys
- doesn’t give up; hardly knows the word “can’t”
And yet, there was a time when this child exasperated us with unending mid-night screamfests, required more patience than I thought I could muster, and consistently appeared unfazed by correction and discipline. Do you have a little one like this? Do you have a child who you pray over night after night, pleading the Lord for change to his behavior…to his heart?
Today, celebrating six years with my precious Number 3, is a reminder that those prayers are heard. Those prayers are answered. In His time, for His purposes, through His provisions.
Challenging children can be God’s very gracious blessing to draw you to himself, to grow you, to sanctify you…He has done this in my life with each of my 5; I know he will do so in yours.
Happy Birthday, Number 3. The Lord is not through with you yet…I am a blessed mama indeed.
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Tear! What a big boy. We love our (your) Judah:)
He loves you back!
You just described my middle child, sweet Sarah, to a “T”. I’m encouraged!
I’m so glad this served to encourage you, Susan. The Lord is in control…have no fear, no matter how crazy motherhood gets!
So sad we couldn’t celebrate with him…I finally told Calla yesterday that you guys couldn’t come and she bawled, poor thing. We spent some time looking through her baby album so she could point out Judah in the pictures. (And then, of course, I got teary-eyed!)
On a happier note, I love how you’ve described Judah here. So cool to see how God is working in his heart already. And you’re such a good mama, faithfully praying for him and training him in the way he should go. Thanks for your example!
Oh goodness, that makes me cry to think of my Calla missing us. Tell her that Gu Gu has a ton of girlie time planned for us and for fun days ahead together…sometime!
I love your sweeeeeeeet #3!
Aww, Rechel. Thank you for caring, and appreciating his sweet and quirky personality!