Josh turns 13 today.  In celebration of his birthday, here’s a list of 13 things I appreciate about him:

1. Josh loves to laugh–especially deep belly laughs where he can’t catch his breath.

2. Josh is respected by  adults, especially his teachers. 

3. Josh has a tender heart for young kids.  I think he would make a great elementary school teacher some day.

4. Josh still lets me read to him.  We are currently reading The Red Badge of Courage.  I hope that we always do this.

5. Like me, Josh tends to be sentimental, reflecting on “the good old days.”   He loves to create memories and traditions.

6. Josh absolutely LOVES the Christmas season–the songs, the decorations, the food, the stories, the traditions.

7. Josh is very discerning about his selection of friends.  This is going to pay huge dividends in the days ahead.

8. Josh is a very good communicator–both in speech and in writing. 

9. Josh has accumulated a lot of knowledge about many things.  More than once I’ve thought, “How does he know that?”  I think it is due to the fact that he loves to read (especially history) and he pays attention to what is going on around him.

10. Josh is punctual, almost to a fault.  It is a disaster if he is even close to being late for anything.

11. Josh is a conscientious, hard worker.  If he is running sprints at an athletic practice, you will find him at the front of the pack.

12.  Josh’s love language is quality time.  He just wants to do things together.  Some of my favorite times have been just shooting baskets or playing catch with him.

13. Josh cares about his Dad.  More than once during my physical issues of late he has told me that he is praying for me. 

I love you Josh.  Happy 13th birthday.  I am proud of you and so glad that God blessed us with you.