helping Mom make his birthday cake =)
Today Landen turns 13!
It's so hard to believe! I have a hard time even saying 13 in relation to him. I know, despite the fact that he is so young in mind and heart, that he is in fact, growing up. Everyday I walk that balance between meeting him where he is at mentally, rejoicing in the smallest victories that he achieves (that perhaps even a pre-schooler down the street can do in their sleep)...and also giving him more room to grow and believing that we can help steer and equip him to have a productive life now and in the future.
A couple of months ago I was getting Landen off the bus, and like he often does, he jumped up on me, wrapping his legs around my waist tightly and hugging my neck, saying "I love you Mom" over and over. Of course I often chuckle in my mind when he does that, thinking "any neighbors or others that are witnessing this are probably wondering why a near teenager is holding on to his mom like that"...HA..but i was struck in that moment with the beautiful reality that he just doesn't care..because of his condition he is dependant on me and loves me openly and unencumbered. That is a picture of how we too must embrace the Lord in complete humility and faith. He holds us in our brokenness and carries us in our pain.
We are so proud of you Landen. We are thankful for your sweet and caring spirit. We are grateful for your hugs and child-like dependance on us that teaches us about child-like faith in Christ.
"I will give you assured peace in this place." -Jeremiah 14:13
jess
