This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Today our youngest turns 5! I’ve started the practice of writing my family a letter at key moments in our lives. It’s an opportunity to leave a signature on their story and bless them concerning their futures. It gives me an opportunity to think and pray about their passions and desires and  dream about how God may be shaping their lives. I also think about the weeds in their lives that I can pray away and with God’s help lead them out of. The idea came from a great book called Letters From Dad. Here is a portion of Hudson’s birthday letter for this year. I’ve shared a few of my letters to Jack and a portion of one of my Valentine’s Day letters to Heather in the past.

Dear Hudson,

At five years old, you’re on a mission everyday! And usually, that mission involves making others smile. You make me smile a lot too, and as I think about your future I can’t help but smile even more. I see in you someone who will get stuff done, and I can already imagine that you’ll have the ability to focus on what’s most important. You can sniff out a lie or a scheme better than I can as a grown up. You always know exactly where you’re going and you always win at monopoly. You’re also always first in line for whatever new thing there is to try. Praying that you keep that passion for life and fun and risk and for making others happy. I hope you keep the ability to make a game out of almost anything and any situation. I also pray that while you go for everything at 150 miles per hour that you learn to handle and are not crushed by disappointment. I also pray that you don’t get off the path that God will lay out before you because whatever you do, you’ll do it at full speed. You inspire me everyday to be a better dad and to think about my every word, because you learn like you live – fast & furious. I’m glad that your best friend is your big brother Jack. I pray you keep your love for him. He’s going to be a great role model for you. Huddy Buddy, I love you no matter what, I’m praying for you everyday and all day. You’re dad is very proud of you! Happy Birthday!!!

Love, Dad