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Today, my son turns 26 years old.
Twenty-six.
How did we get here so quickly?
It seems like just yesterday I was holding him in my arms, praying over his future, asking God to protect him, guide him, and help him become the man He created him to be. Today, I stand in awe of God’s faithfulness as I watch that little boy continue to grow into the man God is calling him to be.
Birthdays have a way of causing us to reflect. As a mother, I often find myself thinking about the years behind us and wondering what lies ahead. I think about the lessons learned, the victories celebrated, the challenges overcome, and the countless prayers whispered to God on behalf of my children.
As I reflect on Kaleb’s life, I am reminded that every child is born with purpose.
Before we ever held our children in our arms, God held them in His heart.
He created them intentionally.
He gifted them uniquely.
He called them specifically.
And He has a plan for their lives.
One of the greatest blessings of motherhood is watching your child discover and develop the gifts God placed inside of them. Over the years, I have watched Kaleb use his talents, creativity, and passion in ways that encourage others and bring joy to those around him.
Yet as grateful as I am for his gifts, I know that the gifts themselves are not the most important thing.
The Giver is.
Talents can open doors.
Abilities can create opportunities.
Success can bring recognition.
But only a relationship with Jesus Christ can sustain us through every season of life.
The world constantly tells us to chase more—more success, more influence, more attention, more achievements. Yet God’s Word reminds us that our greatest purpose is not to make a name for ourselves but to bring glory to Him.
Jesus said:
“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
What a beautiful picture.
God gives us gifts not so the spotlight shines on us, but so the light shines through us.
Whether through music, ministry, business, teaching, writing, parenting, or serving others, our lives should point people back to Christ.
That is my prayer for my son.
Not simply that he succeeds.
Not simply that he reaches his goals.
Not simply that he fulfills his dreams.
But that everything he does points others to Jesus.
A Birthday Charge to My Son
Kaleb, as you celebrate your 26th birthday, I want you to remember something that your father and I have tried to teach you throughout your life:
Keep God at the center.
Not on the sidelines.
Not as an occasional thought.
Not as a backup plan.
At the center.
When opportunities come, keep God at the center.
When success comes, keep God at the center.
When disappointments come, keep God at the center.
When life feels uncertain, keep God at the center.
When doors open and when doors close, keep God at the center.
Continue to seek Him before making decisions.
Continue to trust Him when the path isn’t clear.
Continue to honor Him with your gifts.
Continue to use your voice, your talents, your influence, and your life to bring Him glory.
The world needs more young men who are willing to stand for Christ.
More young men who walk in integrity.
More young men who remain humble.
More young men who love God and love people.
Be one of those men.
Never forget that your greatest identity is not found in what you do but in whose you are.
You belong to God.
And there is no greater place to be.
A Charge to Mothers
To every mother reading this, especially those raising sons, continue to pray.
Pray when they are young.
Pray when they become teenagers.
Pray when they become adults.
Pray when they are near.
Pray when they are far away.
Pray when life is going well.
Pray when life becomes difficult.
Never underestimate the power of a praying mother.
Our children will face challenges we cannot fix, obstacles we cannot remove, and decisions we cannot make for them. There comes a point when we must release our grip and trust God’s grip.
That can be difficult.
But God loves our children even more than we do.
Our role is to point them to Christ, encourage them to follow Him, and trust God with the rest.
As mothers, may we spend less time worrying and more time praying.
Less time fearing and more time trusting.
Less time focusing on what the world says and more time believing what God says.
Happy Birthday, Son
Today, I celebrate the gift of your life.
I celebrate the man you are becoming.
I celebrate the gifts God has placed inside of you.
Most importantly, I celebrate your relationship with the Lord and my prayer that it continues to deepen with each passing year.
May God bless you abundantly.
May He guide your steps.
May He protect you.
May He use your life to impact countless people for His Kingdom.
And may your light continue to shine brightly for His glory.
Happy 26th Birthday, Son.
I love you.
Love,
Momma