Sweet Silas

I had no idea what to expect when I was handed little newborn baby Silas for the first time. Do you know what I did not expect? Wide eyes. I am really not exaggerating this… His eyes were wide open and he was looking right into mine. He did not seem like a newborn at all. He seemed so much older. He seemed like he was taking it all in.

And I believe he was.

Fourteen years ago today I was introduced to this amazing boy. And my heart has never been the same. He has been such a delight to me. When I look at sweet Silas I see God’s goodness.

These are just a few of the things that I love about him…

1. He loves God’s Word so much. He is diligent to spend time in the Word and in prayer daily. And he is continually memorizing scripture. He knows that the more he tucks away in his heart, the more equipped for life he will be.
2. He loves God’s people. He loves being with our church family. Of all ages. He loves to joke around with his buddy Jim Zehr (who is just a few years older ) or listen to the insights of Millie and Makayla (who are toddlers!).
3. He loves his parents and grandparents. He values time with all of us. He gives us all so many hugs and is so proud to now be taller than most of us.
4. He is the best brother. I mean the best brother. He was born into the role of Caleb’s younger brother. And he has been nothing but proud. He has supported, loved, encouraged and sacrificed for Caleb. Then, at 11 years old, he took on the role of being big brother to Cheyenne, Collin and Alexa. And boy was that a sacrifice. He went from sharing his parents and grandparents with 1 sibling to sharing them with 4. He dealt with the waves of trauma. He gave up his big bedroom with his own bathroom and moved down the hall to share a much smaller room with Collin. With no complaining.
5. I love his quirky (and very physical) sense of humor. He does all kinds of crazy contortions with his body. He looks ridiculous and he does not care one bit!
6. I love how teachable he is. He often recognizes his sin all on his own. When he doesn’t, and we have to confront him on something, he listens and recognizes. He repents and asks for forgiveness.
7. I love how easy he is to talk to. He listens and he cares.
8. I love that he loves me so much. Is that narcissistic? Oh well. He tells me he loves me every single day with the biggest hug. And he looks out for me. Since he was tiny, he has been trying his best to protect me. It’s so sweet.
9. I love that he is so active. He is always up for a bike ride or a trail run or a walk. We even get to run races together! It’s an actual dream come true.
10. He is such a picky and loyal friend. He is kind to everyone, but he is very picky about who he calls “friend.” His desire is always for an iron sharpening iron kind of situation.

Sweet and steadfast Silas is a gift straight from the Lord. He warms my heart every single day. I love you sweet Silas! You are truly a delight to my heart!