Oliver

As I sit here looking at remnants of balloons, paper plates of half-eaten cake and party hats, my eyes get wet knowing my baby is 6 years old today. Almost every seasoned mother I’ve encountered warned me that this would happen. “It goes so fast,” they say, “almost in a blink of an eye and they will be gone.” This is becoming more of a reality as I watch my boys grow and although it saddens me, I am also more aware that I need to live in the moment and cherish the special seasons. Today I am writing about my sweet Oliver for no other reason than to remember. To remember this moment in time as my boy is 6, a year of curiosity, questions, funny moments, snuggles and cuddles.

Oliver, today you are 6 years old, and you make your mama laugh every single day. This morning you came in bed with us, and laid on my shoulder with your little arm across my neck and fell back to sleep. This is something I will always cherish.  In the morning you love to eat breakfast burritos with Mr. Taylor’s special hot sauce. You love watching Bear Grylls and afterwards I find you paragliding or rappelling off of your brother’s bed. You ask for gifts that are real tools, adventure packs, fishing and hunting equipment, far more than you ask for toys. You love to play scientist, firefighter, policeman, or Life-Flight nurse. You love that your dad is a flight nurse and in this moment in time, he is your all-time hero. One of your best friends who was at your birthday party is Mr. Bruce. He is 87 years old, and you look for him every Sunday at church. You are an old soul.

You came out of the womb playing instruments on whatever surface you could get your hands on and now, your drumming skills blow me away. Just two days ago, I played Lion and the Lamb, your most favorite song, on the piano, and you played with me on the drum-set. You didn’t miss a beat for a whole verse and chorus. You told me you will worship Jesus with the drums someday, and I believe it my son, because you already are. You have always loved music. We heard a wail type singing when you were just about two years old and you were playing your dad’s guitar, it was precious. When I was doing dishes, you had this big guitar on your lap and you sang, “Jesus, you rule, Jesus.” You were only two at this time and watching you now as you play guitar and sing, is absolutely amazing. May this always be a desire of your heart.

Jesus has given you a special gift my son, and I want to remind you today of the promises that God has made over your life. When you were three years old, Gabriel Mwamba spoke over you and said you had the mantel of Elijah and you will prophesy, pray healing over the sick and preach the gospel to the nations. You had your head bowed the entire time you received this word and there was not a dry eye in the building. When you were four, your friend Mr. Bruce said you had the mantel of Samuel, who was also a prophet and that you would know the Lord all the days of your life. It is not always easy knowing the best way to nurture you in your gifting’s, but we trust the Lord and we love you beyond all measure. 

We named you Oliver because your name’s inherent meaning is Kind and Affectionate. The spiritual connotation of your name means Bringer of Peace and that is the core of who you are. You are kind and loving, you know how to bring comfort when people are sad, and we love you Oliver. We continue to cheer you on everyday and our home is full of more joy because of you! Happy Birthday my precious son.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He taketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters.” Psalm 23:1