My boy is 5 years old today.  Five.

I’m thinking back over the last handful of years…I vividly remember painting our nursery, singing to Crystal’s belly, sitting through the childbirth and baby care classes as a nervous and anxious Daddy.  I remember walking off stage in Nashville and getting a phone call from Crystal telling me it was time to come home.  I remember holding my son for the very first time, speaking his name and telling him that God had made him fearfully and wonderfully.

None of that seems like it was five years ago.

But today I have a five year old son who is nuts about Transformers, who loves to “breakdance”, who excitedly pulls worms out of the mud, who prefers to either be dressed as Spiderman or be completely naked, who hates bees with a passion ( see here ),  who frequently tries to climb walls and still hangs out with imaginary friends.  I have a son who is thoughtful and kind to other people, who loves (and smothers) his little sister.  He’s a thinker…a problem solver.  He is beautiful…just gorgeous.  He is swift and agile, creative and imaginative.  He is musical and funny and sweet and silly and determined.  He has a take on the world that has taught me so much.  He has redefined my reality, sharpened my theology, strengthened my resolve to be a Godly man.  And he has afforded me so much grace as I fumble through parenthood.

I know I’m biased, but I’m convinced my kid is awesome, and I’m confident that if you ever get to know him, you’ll completely agree.

Ezra gets a lot of my posts, but today is his day.  So, Happy Birthday, Ezra…your daddy loves you.  You’re awesome.