"Youngest"

I was there when he was born,

My daughter’s oldest child,,

And when he turned five months old,

We brought him home awhile.

That was eighteen years ago,

And now he’s left the nest,

Adopted as our youngest son,

We loved him like the rest.

And now I’m here unpacking,

In his new rental place,

Far off in another state,

I won’t soon see his face.

His mother packed a lot of stuff,

She set him up real good,

And he’ll have everything he needs,

‘Cause she made sure he would.

And soon I will be leaving,

And he’ll be on his own,

It’s really hard for me to think,

That he is this full-grown.

Worried, I guess a little,

But when I feel that way,

I just have to trust the Lord,

And to Him quietly say,

I loved him when I saw him,

I watched him since tee ball,

I hardly missed a practice,

Or any game at all.

I’ve seen him sad and angry,

And disappointed, too,

There were times I hurt him,

Did not know what to do.

But now I ask You, Jesus,

Take hold of my sweet son,

Protect and lead him forward,

And when this day is done,

I bind him to Your highest,

And loose him from the bad,

I trust You, Lord, to take him,

Say thanks for time we’ve had.

Son, you’ll be a winner,

You will succeed for sure,

And the Holy Spirit,

Will help you to endure.

“…He gave His one and only Son…” (John 3:16, NLT)

I said good-bye to him this morning and drove back home. I was in the room eighteen years ago when he was born, and later we adopted my grandson. My oldest daughter is doing beautifully now, and has ten years sobriety. I am so thankful for her and proud of everything she has accomplished. But back then her problems made it impossible for her to raise her firstborn, so he came to live with us. Every child is special and a gift from God, but this one especially so because of the circumstances. So now he’s on his own pursuing his dreams, and I entrust him into God’s care. Driving home I thought of God’s gift of His Son, Jesus Christ, to us. I cannot imagine the depth of the sacrifice on the part of both Father and Son. But I know that it was this love that makes it possible for me, and all of us, to experience God’s life-changing grace. And for this I am grateful. I hope you are, too.

Lord, thank You for giving Your only Son,, in Jesus’ name.

Photo by Kirstie Lamber, used by permission. Thanks, Kirstie, and God bless you.