As you know, as a vocation, for the bulk of my life, I have chosen to work as a servant to a local church, and thus far, it has been in small churches. As a result, I have earned a modest wage to support my family. We are not poor, but we have done without many things. You've had toys to play with, clothes to wear, comfortable beds to sleep in, and like this photo shows, we've gotten to do a few neat things like play soccer, take trips to visit friends and make memories as a family.
I guess, by the world's standards, I am a failure because I know when my life ends, I will not have many tangible assets to leave with you and your sisters. Our wills and portfolios will not be filled with things that you and your siblings will fight over.
However, I want to point out a couple assets that your mother and I have worked very hard to provide you that can never be locked in a bank vault or measured by the Dow-Jones Industrial average. Things like your name; a work ethic that is others-focused; a foundation in God's word and the Gospel on which to build a relationship with God; memories of times together as a family. These are the assets that I pray one day will yield dividends that will be reinvested in your own children and grandchildren, should God bless you in that way. I cannot make you follow Jesus, but I pray that in our examples, both the good and bad ones, you will know the richness that comes from walking with your heavenly Father. That when God calls you to Himself, you will respond appropriately and follow Jesus with all your heart, soul mind and strength in ways that far surpass your earthly father.
One of the many assets, however, that God has endowed you with is shown here in this photo... your two older sisters. You annoy one another often. Occasionally, you say hurtful and cruel things to one another; and yet, you need to know that your sisters love you deeply. They play such an integral part of your life. I have been so proud to watch them give of themselves because of that deep love. God-willing, they will be there for you long after your mother and I are gone. Don't forget to thank God regularly for your sisters. They are one of your best assets. Love them and take care of one another.
"But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." - 1 Timothy 5:8
Happy Birthday little Buddy!
