Josh is our oldest of two children, along with Hannah who is 14. Josh is graduating from High School June 8. There are those who consider me an expert on youth ministry. I wrote a book or two on the subject, but hardly consider myself an expert. I do consider myself a serious student.
Michelle and I, despite our failures as parents, could not be more grateful for the two children God has given us. Hannah is full of life, and quite the volleyball player. She is growing in her faith. Next summer she will join me in her first (but not last) out of the country mission trip, to Thailand.
But for now we focus on Josh. Our firstborn. Perfect? No. But as I told Josh recently, if I could write how we would want a son to be, he has exceeded that. He has led many to Christ. He has learned not only to be a great drummer, but a great musician. He is a joy to minister with, and ministering together is something we do a lot. God has greatly honored that, more than I could have dreamed. He loves his mom, and I could ask nothing more of a son. He has been recognized often for his testimony and his character.
Saturday I go with Josh and a pile of great students from his school, North Raleigh Christian Academy. We will be suffering in London, Paris, Florence and Rome. I will speak a little on the great awakenings, and remember the preaching and martyrdom of Savonarola. Should be an amazing trip. Then we are off to do about a half dozen youth camps together from NC to Texas. Busy summer. Great God. Blessed son. Family is truly one of the greatest gifts from God to man in this life.
Proverbs 20:7 has been one of the guiding verses for me as a father: “The righteous man will walk in his integrity, and his children are blessed after him.” God is good. I am not always righteous, nor is my integrity flawless, but our children are blessed.
