Turning Ten!

The parties and merriment have wrapped up for many people, but not for our family. We have a birthday to celebrate. Our middle son, Nicholas, is turning ten!

I love Nicholas’ perspective on his birthday. I have heard others complain about dates of births, from summer birthdays overlooked because of no school to birthdays overshadowed by nearby holidays.

Full of optimism, Nicholas enjoys the close vicinity of his birthday to Christmas. He considers it pretty awesome to be bombarded with gifts and well wishes for both occasions. When the gift exchanging and general festive mood of the holiday concludes, he still has his birthday, just days away, to look forward to. He shares the excitement with others at Christmas and then experiences his own jubilee a week later for his special day.

Nicholas’ birthday will no doubt include gifts of Galactic Heroes Star Wars figures. He has received these three inch tall figures for every birthday and Christmas he can remember. He has almost 200 of them, plus corresponding ships, and plays with these toys almost daily. He is likely to get a book or two, as well, and perhaps stamps or a nutcracker to add to his collections.

Nicholas loves his friends. His ideal birthday is one spent with ten or so of his closest buddies, brothers included. Despite their occasional arguments, irritations, and impatience with one another, his brothers are and always will be his very best friends. Within the home they may fight, but watch out if anyone outside the home tries to mess with one. Nicholas will battle someone twice his size to protect or defend either of his brothers, and they will do the same for him.

I appreciate Nicholas’ attitude on being the middle child. Some people gripe about their birth order or worry about their own middle child’s place in the family. Nicholas, however, believes he has the best of both worlds. He has not only a younger brother, but also an older brother. Furthermore, he takes pleasure in being both a younger brother and an older brother. In his opinion, it doesn’t get any better than that!

Nicholas has always been my cuddle bug, loving hugs and closeness. Sadly, he doesn’t ask to curl up in my lap anymore, although he is quick to claim his spot on the couch between his mama and daddy during movies. I cherish this time, knowing these days are limited.

Nicholas has many characteristics I admire. As a peace-maker, he is usually the one to compromise when there is a disagreement to be resolved. He is also thoughtful and sensitive to others’ needs. When someone has been sick or hurt, he will remember to pray for them and follow up on their well-being.

Quite a unique mix, this thoughtful, cuddly kid has big aspirations of following in his daddy’s footsteps and becoming a SWAT officer. He is quick to express pride in his dad, whom he unhesitatingly calls his hero.

Nicholas’ greatest milestone in his first decade and perhaps his entire life came at age six when he placed his faith in Jesus as his Savior, beginning a personal relationship with God. Although the decision was made at a relatively young age, there has been no turning back for our son. Nicholas is more convicted by his sin and has more of a desire to do what is right than many adults who claim to follow Christ. Although at times he makes bad decisions and speaks or acts without thinking, the once strong-willed toddler who tested us over and over now sincerely wants to make wise choices that honor both his parents and his Lord.

The past ten years seem like only ten months, and I am very much aware that the next ten will go by even faster. We are proud of the path Nicholas has chosen and the decisions he is making. He is a delight to our family and a much-loved son and brother!

“This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24