My Dear Son,

It is your first birthday and your mother and I can hardly believe it. I remember the day you were born as if it were yesterday. I remember holding you and realising that my heart had grown to love more than I ever thought I was capable of loving. I remember fearing for your safety and well-being and being fiercely protective over you. I remember bringing your sister to visit you in the hospital and feeling the deepest sense of joy as I watched you both together. You are my son, whom I love, I’m proud of you - those words spoken by the Father of all, have come alive in a whole new way when I think of you.

On your first birthday, I want to share with you the joy I have in you and the hopes and prayers I have for you.

As I wrote to your sister, firstly and most importantly know that you are loved - passionately by your mother and I and your sister. But there is a deeper, wider, greater, wilder and more perfect love to be experienced from your Heavenly Father. He has made you to delight in Him and He in you. He has created you for good works and a great purpose that He has prepared for you - things that will make your heart sing and satisfy your innermost being. His love is the only thing that can satisfy and the only thing that can heal. His peace is the only thing that will quiet the darkest storms and bring order out of the chaos around you. His joy is the only thing that lasts, where other pleasures and thrills quickly fade - His joy grounds you to contentment and true generosity. So my son, never leave Him or turn your back on Him, instead, cling to Him with all your heart - as you do, you will never be disappointed.

Your namesake was called to be ‘strong and courageous’ as he led and served his people. We pray the same thing over you. Your strength will not come from dominance, intimidation or oppression. Rather, your strength will flow out of self sacrifice and security of the love and presence of the One who empowers and sustains all things. Your courage will not come from any prideful self confidence. No, your courage will stand on the Rock of Ages who is in you and has already overcome the world. Remember who you are and who you are called to be.

Strength and courage without compassion and kindness is like fire without the hearth. The true measure of strength is in how it is tempered. A man with no self-control and no capacity to feel for and care for others is hardly a man at all. Instead of being a liability, your emotions and compassion will drive you to hone your strength to serving others - by protecting them, empowering them, advocating for them, supporting and sustaining them. So allow yourself to feel deeply, my son, and as you do, you will touch the heart of God.

My darling, wilful little boy. Your mother and I are so grateful to be your parents. The joy you’ve brought to our hearts and our family is beyond words. We pray for you and your sister every day and we know your futures are secure in the One who gave everything to be able to call you His.

With all my love,

Dad