Happy Birthday, Luke!

Happy 8th Birthday, Luke Davis Wall Anderson!

What an absolute delight you have been to my soul. When you entered this world, I became a mother, and absolutely nothing has ever been the same again. Thank goodness!

You are my favorite little boy in the whole wide world. I like the way your eyes sparkle when you're telling a great story, I like the way you concentrate when you read, unable to hear anything going on in the room around you. I like the way you eat--with so much gusto. I like the sound of your laughter, and the great fun you have in telling a knock-knock joke. I like the way you play your guitar, sing into your microphone, and belt out some good ol' tune. Speaking of singing, there is nothing I like better than to hear you singing in church. You sing with such enthusiasm and sincere love that I sometimes just close my eyes and listen to your heart.

I like to watch you open a present--you rip into the paper with so much anticipation, and if you happen to find Legos inside, well, the world's just a happier place.

I like how loyal you are to the people you love, and that is a characteristic I believe you will have your entire life.

I like how much you love animals--stuffed and real--and how each has a special name and a unique position in your heart. I like that our whole family knows about Arf and Spot and Puppy and Mickey, and how these four have traveled to so many places with us and slept under so many different roofs.

I love to watch you perform--at Grandparent's day, during your school programs, and especially at church in the theatre room and puppet room. You perform with--well--pure, little boy joy.

I love your hugs.

As I have told you many times, my dear son, your name means "bringer of light", and I love how the light of Jesus' love shines forth in you as you live out the calling of your name and your heritage in Christ. I also want you to know how much like Barnabus you are--I call you Barnabus a lot, because I see in you the distinct spirit of encouragement that lived in the Barnabus of our Bible. What a blessing you will continue to be in the lives of others; how precious and sweet your words are and will be. How precious and sweet your words are to me.

But even if your were none of those things, I love you because you are you--a miracle, a gift from God, a blessing, and chosen and made with the Master's hands. As much as your Dad and I love you, God loves you more, and He will hold on to you your entire life. He will always be with you.

I love you, Luke!
Mommy