The Middle Child ...

My middle child is my son, Ethan...the only male in a family of all girls.  Haha, all of our pets have also been female.  He jokingly told his sister the other day that he, too, was going to start a blog entitled, "The Only Male in the House".  I encouraged him to do so but, of course, he was only joking.  I think it would be a great insight for himself as well as everyone who read it.

Being the only male in a house could be a challenge ... especially without some other male that he felt comfortable talking to about guy things.  I kind of think men have some knowledge inbred into them because he's knows these things that i have never taught him ... how did he know how that gadget works ... to know what kind of saw to use for that project ... how to create and repair things ...how does he know how to work that crazy remote ... I think he just knows.  I'm thankful for that and I appreciate the time he takes to help me out.

He has such a sweet spirit about him.  I think he tries everything he can to be different from the negative role models he has had in his life.  He made sure, even at a young age, and even today, to be respectful of women.  When he was younger he made it a point to make sure he opened my door for me, making sure I was safely in the car ... as he grew, he made sure my feet were in the car before closing the door.  He always aimed to please and would do anything to make me smile.

 He was generally pretty quiet anyway ... lol, how could he not, in a family of girls.  I am just kidding but sometimes it is just easier to be quiet and take it all in.  In middle school he had a lot to deal with.  I was a little concerned when he grew his hair "long" and constantly wore a jacket, despite the temperatures.  It almost seemed like he was attempting to hide.  

I am so proud of the man he's becoming.  As he began high school this huge transformation came over him.  He got his hair cut and he gained confidence.  When he was a younger we were challenged to all look up the meaning of our names.  He discovered that his name means "firm, strong rock!"  When that little boy stood up straight and tall, fist pounding on his chest with each word as he declared that he was a "firm, strong rock" I knew clearly that his name was chosen specifically by more than myself before I even realized it.  There was no other name to consider ... it's the name we chose before we were even married and agreed on...his name chosen 9 years before he was born.  I believe God chose that name for him because He knew that when we had a hiccup in our pathway, he would be able to draw strength from it.

He has had some great goals for many years and they all include helping those less fortunate than ourselves.  I am blessed to see my son grow in wisdom and strength and I have prayed that nothing would happen in his life that would cause him to lose his sweet, loving spirit.  I have seen him go through so many challenges and I see him only getting stronger ... to take each challenge as a stepping stone toward the great things God has planned for him.  He has a good heart ... a heart that causes him to protect ... whether it is protecting his sisters or myself ... or helping organizations that stop human trafficking or even walking 17 miles at the Relay for Life in honor of his grandmother ... he is a man on a mission and with God's help he is unstoppable.

     He may pick on his sisters but if anyone messes with them he will protect without question.

                             Unlike the girls, there are not many pictures of him by himself :)

Courageous
Joshua 1:9 "Remember, I commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid, because the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Until next time ... Be courageous!