Dedication Letter

Dear Camden,

 

Today was your dedication. You may wonder what that means. To your Daddy and I it means that we are dedicating ourselves as parents to raise you to be the best we know how. And by doing that we are most importantly proclaiming to teach you to love the Lord with all your heart, soul and might.

 

Camden, you are one year and eight months old. You are a bundle of energy. You are growing, learning and exploring daily. You are a challenge to your Daddy and I. You are just learning to communicate your desires and your wants and it's hard for you when you can't adequately express yourself. Learning rules and limits takes patience and repetition, and you are learning slowly but surely.

 

I'm reminded of the analogy of a marble. It represents you, the child. It sits on a table and as parents we want to apply just enough pressure to appropriately guide you. If we apply too little pressure, nothing happens. If we apply too much, you shoot out from under our grip to never return. As parents we hope to be able to gently guide you to the stunning young man we know God has you destined to be.

 

You are very strong willed. Most people would look at this as a weakness. We choose to view it as a strength. It may be hard for us now to parent you properly, but once we get through to you and teach you how to channel it, I think it will be one of your biggest assets. I pray that God will use this quality to give you drive and determination to reach all the goals He has in mind for you. 

 

Being your parent has taught me so much, and I can't thank God enough for this opportunity. I have learned to see the world from a different viewpoint. To view things simply. To find joy in the small things, like blowing bubbles or seeing a dog, or holding your Mickey Mouse stuffed animal. I smile to myself every time I hear you tell nigh-nigh to everything in your room before falling asleep, and snuggling with your arms under your little body with your rump in the air. I cherish these simple moments more than I thought possible.

 

Your Daddy and I have really found a home at church, and we pray that you feel the same as you continue to grow. We want you to be involved in the kids programs, to make friends and to enjoy going to church and serving at church as much as we do. We pray that God will give us the tools and wisdom to guide you. We are so fortunate that God has chosen us to parent together, and that He entrusted your little soul into our care.

 

Your special verse for this day is Zephaniah 3:17.

 

"The Lord your God is with you,
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing.”

 

I had a tough time picking a verse. But this one kept sticking out at me. The part about God being mighty to save is something I hope you never forget. I want you to know that no matter what you go through or difficulties in your faith, God is always there, delighting in you. It also says that the Lord will rejoice over you with singing. I felt the same way as God did the moment you were born. I was delighted. I was overcome with quiet love, admiration and oh so proud of you. And as your CiCi says, what a glorious picture, imaging the Lord rejoicing singing over us.

 

Camden, your Daddy and I love you so. We are so blessed to call you our son, to be on this parenting journey together, and with such an amazing little boy. We love you!

Mommy

 

*****

 And Happy Mother's Day to all the Mommies out there, and especially my mother, and my mother in law. Hope everyone had a fantastic day!