Dear Cohen

You came into the world a bit sooner than you were due, but no sooner than you were planned by your Heavenly Father.  And I can’t imagine a more beautiful baby has ever been born, or to more loving parents.  While you are our second grandchild, you are our first grandson, and will always be the firstborn of your mama and daddy.  For them, this has been a day of labor and risk, of waiting and prayer.  And today, February 23, 2010, you have made it worth it all.

You entered a family who has seen its share of joys and sorrows, laughter and tears.  But through it all, your family walks with a faith in the heart and love of the living God.  Your name means “priest,” and it was well-chosen.  You will live as an ambassador between God and humanity.  As you trust your life to the Lord Jesus, you will be part of a kingdom of priests – and you will be one of its standard bearers.

Your middle name, David, reflects both a noble family heritage and the Sweet Psalmist and Shepherd of Israel – the man after God’s own heart.  I pray that you will spend a lifetime discovering what that means.

You were born into a world filled with change and challenges, and no shortage of opinions.  In many ways the world you inherited is not kind.  There are global, national, and environmental problems.  I pray that through the influence of your family and other trusted friends, you grow to be a man who embraces every problem as an opportunity for solutions.  I pray you would learn to be wise, patient, and filled with laughter.

Your parents have invested their lives in reaching and serving children and teenagers – many of whom won’t have the kind of home you do.  They are rookies at being parents, and through every succeeding phase of your life, you will have the privilege of teaching them to be parents.  Be gentle.  They’re still learning.

Two weeks ago today, your great grandmother left this world and is now in the presence of Jesus.  My only sadness today is that she would not get to see you, and that you would have to wait until you see the Lord yourself before you meet her.  But every time you see me, and, to a lesser degree, your mother, you will see traces of her life and influence.  I pray you will be blessed by what you see.

In the years to come, you will hear many stories from many strands of your heritage.  Learn them.  Repeat them to your children one day.  However imperfect the lives of the people in your heritage are, they are broad shoulders that you will stand on to your profit, or reject at your peril.

It is thrilling to me that when you come home for the first time, you will be coming to my home.  Even though it’s just for a few months, your Grammy and I will have the thrill of watching you grow on a daily basis.  I look forward to learning from you.  Laughing with you.  Holding you.  And of course, getting even with your mother through you.  (Really looking forward to that one.)

Though we have only met once, you have already captured my heart. And nothing will ever change that.  Despite your successes or failures, we will love you completely as the boy and man you are, all the while believing in the man you are created and destined to become.  And as long as God gives me breath, I will serve you and call you out to become that man.

Welcome home, little priest.  Now let’s have some fun.

Tagged as: Family, Legacy