This weekend we had a Tween Hangout Event at Nina's. You are always growing, inside and out - Always amazing me with the ways you've grown.
For one, your kindness. The way you treat others, the way you give them a chance, the way your have learned to extend yourself to people so they understand they are important.
As 1 Corinthians 12:10-14 says,
"The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit. Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part."
I am grateful that you know this.
I am also grateful that you have become more comfortable with yourself. I can tell that the more accepting, comfortable and gracious you have become of your own strengths, weaknesses, rightness and flaws, the more accepting, comfortable and gracious you have become with others. I love watching you more deeply know and stand firm in God's beautiful plan and who we truly are in that plan, as His people.
I was especially honored to watch your transformation with young children shine at the end of the night. Nina's younger kids returned home when it was just you, Lincoln and Noah left from the Tween Group. You treated her younger kids with so much kindness! I saw and heard as you looked them in the eyes, got down on their level (even sitting on the floor face to face with the youngest at one point), and spoke in a kind, fun-loving, and compassionate way. I watched you pretend that the middle daughter was holding her own when she asked to arm wrestle you. I saw as you dropped your arm to the table in defeat and gave her credit when you could have easily beaten her.
You GET it!!
1 Thessalonians 5:11 says,
"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing."
And Romans 14:19 says,
"So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding."
I saw God's influence all over your face and in your actions, and as a result HE was glorified above all.
"Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourself."
Philippians 2:3
"Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."
Philippians 2:4
"Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honor one another."
Romans 12:10
I love seeing that God's Word is living in you!
I am proud of the young man you are.
God Bless you, Ezekiel.
Love, Mom
