Wisdom and Stature
When we bought this land in 1996, Johnny was barely 3. He was still part baby when he first tumbled out of our car onto the clay dirt that covers our farm, his brown eyes filling with wonder. The fescue grass, taller than he was, must have looked like an unexplored jungle. This was a little boy’s dream. I did not know then that this farm would become his playground, the woods a community of trees that would keep his deepest secrets. He would leave no leaf unturned, no ground undiscovered in the years to come. My son, my hunter, my boy-man of the earth and sky would flourish here.
God knew what he needed. This land, this farm, has partnered with us to raise our son. He needed to stretch long limbs under the open sky, and step into the man God has made him to be. He needed the quiet of the woods, and the winding trails to explore. As adulthood now beckons him I have a deepening gratitude for the rich and venturesome childhood my son had here. His feet, covered in the dust of this Georgia clay, will forever be grounded to a place of love and warmth. Best of all, the same God who guided his steps when the fescue towered above him will continue to lead him as he continues his adventures in other places.
God knows what he needs. This truth is nourishing to a mother’s heart.
Isaiah 41:10 ~”So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Becoming a Man
Faithful Friend
Loyalty
Laughter
Character
Transitions
Ready
9 Comments
This young grandson of mine will 19 years next week. It seems impossible. Where have the years gone. He has grown so handsome and so tall. A picture of what I think King David must have looked like when he was young. Johnny loves God and his life shows it. He writes music and produces it at the church. I am so proud of him and love him so very much. I am so blessed to have him as my grandson.
This is one of my favorites. So well written–you can tell it came straight from your heart. And so true.
Love this, love him, love you.
“My son, my hunter, my boy-man of the earth and sky would flourish here.” So good!
“the woods a community of trees that would keep his deepest secrets. He would leave no leaf unturned, no ground undiscovered in the years to come. ”
That is so good and so true.
The heart of a boy is drawn to discovery and adventure. Jmo has had hour on top of hour to know this place. I would guess that nobody knows these back woods and swamp like Johnny.
It makes me happy that he has had such a quality boyhood; may adventure and discovery chase him into adulthood. May the unseen kingdom of the King become as familiar as the tall pines.
I love this – you and Chris are truly blessed to have been able to give him this home of praise, strength, endurance and comfort. It is a blessing to hear the warmth of love you have for your children in these words. To raise such Godly children is a feat that so few have done well and proves that you and Chris will hear “well done my good and faithful servants”.
Amy,
What kind words. Thank you for your continued encouragement Amy. May God bless you and continue to whisper His love to you.
~ Mary Anne
So beautifully written, Mary Anne. It touched the ‘mother of young men’ place in my heart that yearns for my sons to be free and fulfil their calling… yet safe. A dichotomy that I stuggle with still.
So I strive to put them in Gods hands every day… Your words describe this so succinctly.
JMo is a wonderful, godly, kind young man.. you and Chris have done well.
PS He looks so handsome in these pics… he could be a model 😉
Deb,
I know you understand so well, my fellow homeschooler and mother with the large heart. I dearly love you, sweet Deb.
This touched my heart so profoundly that it brought tears to my eyes. All the words spoken about Johnny are so true. It has been pure joy to watch from afar as he has developed into the wonderful young man that he is today. I also remember him as that precious 3 year old so many years ago. His grampa and I are so proud of him and hope we will live to see the long range impact he will have on this world. His gentle, yet adventurous spirit, his love of God and family, his Godly character , his musical ability and so much more make him the very special young man that he is. Yes, we do love him and yes, we will brag a little bit!
MaryAnne….what a lovely tribute to your son and my nephew Johnny. He certainly has been blessed to have wonderful parents that allowed him be the adventurous boy. Wow…..to see the handsome, talented, caring, thoughtful, considerate, loving, and godly man he has become. He looks so much like you! These are some awesome pictures of his adventurous side! Just loved this so much! Love you sis!