My wonderful son James is one year old today! Can't believe it's his birthday already.

I am very grateful to God for giving me a son. I'm also very thankful that through my son God has taught me more deeply about Himself. It's amazing what you can learn about God from children.

I've learned quite a few things from James since he was born. I'll wittle my list down to just a couple here. One that has impressed my heart and encouraged me most is to have an awe and wonder for life. Experiencing the birth of a child is truly a miraculous event. Before James was born I fully believed in the sacredness of life. But, his birth only confirmed in my heart that life is an incredible gift from God. Each baby from conception to birth is precious to God. Psalm 139 reminds us that God knew us in the womb as he crafted and created us wonderfully. As I pray over my son while he sleeps each night before I go to bed I'm reminded of how sacred life is.

I've also learned that all God created is truly remarkable. Think again about the intricacies of our bodies, skills like walking and speaking, seeing in color, and experiencing emotion are marks of God's goodness in his creation. I like to watch my son and think about what it is to experience things for the first time; to see a rainbow for the first time, to touch the fur of a kitten for the first time, to taste jello for the first time. It's too easy for us to lose a sense of amazement and appreciation for this world and the bodies God gave us. Even with the pain and difficulties we face they should never outweigh the pleasures of God's goodness. Even when the world seems bleak and hopeless to us God's grace shines through a corner of the gray and brings the light of joy. I hope you find more joy in your day as you look again through the eyes of a child.

I love my son dearly, and God reminds me everyday that no matter how much I love my son He loves me more. God's love is beyond measure and understanding, it is faithful and unconditional, it is always on time and casts out fear. God's love for me and my family through Jesus Christ has brought us new life. For God's love and my family I am eternally grateful.

(Jer. 31:3, Ps. 33:5, Rom. 5:8, Rom. 8:37-39, I Jn. 4:18)

-Josh