This is 7...

This kid woke up on Saturday as a 7 year old. And while my head understands that time moves forward, my heart is begging it to slow down. 

Radley is 7. And you know what... 7 looks pretty good on him

At 7 he is grateful. Every night during prayer time, he is thoughtful about what he gives thanks for - it's never the same and it's hardly ever a trivial thing. The moment he saw his brand new bike, you could see the excitement and gratitude in his entire body. We are so blessed by his kindness and compassion and we are so proud of the little boy that he is growing to be. 

At 7 he is hysterical. You can't be in a room with Radley and not smile. He is so eager to please and genuinely wants others around him to be happy. He is silly and funny and ridiculously good at making people laugh. 

At 7 he is loved. Unconditionally. Unequivocally. Unequally adored and loved by us, his sisters, his grands, his friends. If I get nothing else right, I pray that he knows just how true this is.

At 7 he is brave. He is willing to try new things - from roller coasters to weird food... he gives it a try. He may ask for help, but he is confident that he can achieve his goals. He works hard, plays hard and prays hard. He is athletic and competitive and is always up for a new challenge. We are watching him grow up so quickly and it's pretty awesome. He is determined and strong willed. He is courageous. 

At 7 he is happy with the little things. It doesn't take much to make him happy. He doesn't ask for a million toys, he doesn't expect 100 gifts... he wants our time, our love, our attention. He is excited at the smallest things - decorating our house for a new season, taking a picture, finding a new bug and even eating at Dairy Queen. All he wanted was some DQ tacos and a blizzard for his birthday. (I went ahead and supplied the special plate). His attitude is a refreshing reminder that people don't need it all, especially when it's all right in front of them. 

At 7 he is ours. Every minute, every hour, every day. From beginning to end. This smart, handsome, loving, compassionate creature is ours. To love. To nourish. To support. To help. He was given to us specifically and our gratitude knows no bounds. My prayers for him continue to be the same... that he lives big, laughs big and loves big. That he is knows just how special he is to us and to everyone around him. That we let him know just how remarkable we think he is. 

Yes, this is 7. And I think it's going to suit him well.