Spotlight on Joseph

Our eldest son turned 9 this month, how can this be? How can I capture his personality in words? Perhaps these pictures will help...

He is so sweet that he makes everyone's heart around him simply glow. As you can see from his cake if you look closely, he's very into fishing right now. He was thrilled to get some new lures for his birthday, and he dreams of catching a feisty northern pike someday.

To his daddy's delight, he also seems to be taking a liking to hunting. But to his daddy's dismay, he can outshoot his old man at this new Big Buck Hunter game that he received.

Did I mention he likes hunting? This new compound bow is for target practice, and he can't wait to go archery hunting in just a few years with his daddy to see all his practice pay off.

Joseph also has a keen insight, understanding, and passion for all things holy. This month he became trained as an altar server. Our church takes this seriously...as well they should...for the Eucharist, the Real Presence of Jesus on that altar, is "the source and summit of the Christian life" (Catechism of the Catholic Church #1324). The servers were trained to treat their tasks in assisting the priest with awe and reverence, and it really was a tear-jerking sight for this mother to behold. I had to smile, though, when it was Joseph's turn to prepare the altar...he was so serious, so solemn, so...short. :) And that's OK. That big altar makes everyone look small, and I know that Joseph is growing in wisdom and stature just as God wills him to grow. :)

Here is Joseph as a candle holder, walking to surround the pulpit while the priest proclaims the Liturgy of the Word. Once again, the altar servers have such an important role in elevating the Gospel readings to a more majestic level with their presence. The altar servers with their flickering candles draw the congregation's attention to the fact that something special is about to happen...God's holy Word is about to be proclaimed..."so quit daydreaming and listen up" is the message their silent presence sends. In theory, anyway :)

Yes, indeed, we have a special son. And whether he becomes a Navy pilot, a professional fly-fisherman, a hunting guide for trophy elk, or a humble and holy priest, he will always be our sweet child who makes our hearts glow with love.

Thank you, Lord, for our birthday boy and all the children you have blessed us with. Please keep them in Your care, keep them close to Your heart, and keep them always on the path that leads to Life Eternal. Amen.