Dear Chris,
Happy Birthday to you! Fifty is a pretty big milestone, and one you have arrived at well. Not because of anything you own, or accomplishment, but because of who you are, the son you have become. To put it simply, you should know that God has worked through your life in some incredible ways. In my life, and many others lives as well. You allowing me to simply be around you in many different contexts, has allowed me to "catch" more of what the Father has worked into the fabric of your life then I even know right now. It has been a privilege to serve alongside you during the TNF weeks, and to be a part of what the Father is doing in the lives of so many. One of the many things I have "caught" from you, is being still, and asking how to get on board with what God is doing in any given moment. I am thankful to have an employer, father, friend, and mentor that seems to continue to grow in that each and every year.
I see many things in you that remind me of the Father. The compassion you show in countless situations, where others would only bring judgment. It's easy to have empathy for someone, but compassion requires action and hands on involvement to help ease the suffering of others. I have often witnessed the showing of love and kindness, when you would be in the right to react out of fear and hurt. When it comes to having a lot of money, and not using it only for your own desires and pleasure, but investing it into the kingdom and into those moving the kingdom forward, I have seen a sensitivity to God's leading, and responsiveness to obey what He asks you to do with it. Not many men would release the cattle on a thousand hills to receive the true riches that your heavenly Father so fully lavishes on your heart each day.
Thank you for the impact you have had on my life, and continue to have. Thank you for knowing when to push me, and when to let time have it's way. Thank you for all you have poured into me as a young man, all you have taught me. I am looking forward to the years to come, and the adventures the Father has for us. Thank you for teaching me to find the glory that the Father created in me, and also for knowing that it might mean things changing (me not working at Hartco eventually) in order to pursue what I was created to do for the kingdom. I know that cannot be easy.
I pray over you often. I see God continuing to bring you alive, and continuing to grow you as his son.
Happy Birthday! Here's to many more adventures!
Your son,
Michael