25 Years & 25 Reasons

Twenty-five (25) years ago today, Victoria and I sat in a small, cozy hospital room in Seattle, Washington and held our first bundle of joy God created through us. We coddled Austin with kid gloves. Like fish out of water we flopped and flailed pondering at every turn whether we parented "correctly" at that moment. We look back now, twenty-five (25) years later, and feel that God's been much more gracious with our mistakes than Austin over his, just by sheer number. This day we celebrate with exuberance over our son and the banner of protection He's covered us with.

And now we share twenty-five (25) reasons why we give thanks over Austin today:

1. He's our first born.
2. He's a compliant one.
3. He's tender in heart.
4. He's considerate of others.
5. He's studious in mind.
6. He's loyal in soul.
7. He's adventuresome in spirit.
8. He's contemplative in thought.
9. He's conscious of conscience.
10. He's witted in laughter.
11. He's saved by Jesus.
12. He's serious in faith.
13. He's committed in love.
14. He's free from fear.
15. He's devoted in marriage.
16. He's passionate about life.
17. He's exploring the expanse.
18. He's faithful to us.
19. He's dedicated to holiness.
20. He's excelled in education.
21. He's loved his siblings.
22. He's listened to wisdom.
23. He's studied the Bible.
24. He's prayed in belief.
25. He's lived this long.

And he'll live forever! Happy Birthday, Austin.

We couldn't love you more,