Levi, my son will turn 14 tomorrow. This year he has shot up and his voice has changed. It is really fun to watch a boy become a man. Puberty is more fun to watch than experience for sure. Lately I have noticed Levi coming up and standing shoulder to shoulder with me. He will look over to see how close his shoulder height is to mine. I believe he is now about 5’10” compared to my muscular frame of 6’2″. Okay the muscular part might be a bit of a stretch. Anyway my son will get this smurk on his face and say, Dad I am almost as big as you. He enjoys the thought of measuring up to his father.
It causes me to pause and reflect on the last 14 years and how quickly they have passed. Then my reflection turns to the question of the standard that I am providing. As Levi grows he will probably grow taller than me, physically. That will be fine. I also hope that he will grow bigger than me in character. I wonder though, am I standing tall in areas of character? I want to give Levi something worthy of measuring up to. I want him to stand tall in honesty, integrity, generousity, and gentleness.
I know there are many areas that I myself don’t measure up, especially compared to the perfection of Jesus. I pray that Levi will see my dependence on Jesus to make up the difference in the areas of my weakness. I pray that Levi will continue to stand tall. I pray that Levi will know that I love him and I am very proud of the young man that he is and is becoming. Most of all I pray that Levi will stand close to The Father. Happy Birthday Son!
New Hope 
One of the many things that I admire about you is the obvious loving relationship you have with each member of your family. Equally obvious is that it is returned. If a man cannot minister to his own family, he has no ministry.
You are the real thing, sir.
Randy
This makes me proud to be your wife and Levi’s Mom. Love you both. Margot
PS I am not sure I am ready for him being taller than both me and you. I hope Dr. Miller was wrong and he isn’t 6 foot 5.
Grandma is proud and honored to be Grandma to Levi, mother to his Dad, and pleased that they are both exercising their faith in the one and only true God. We are blessed to be in the family – thank you Lord!