'The Watchers: All Eyes Are On Him'

Barak (Hebrew): To Bless

The 2010 seniors were honored at our church last Sunday. Parents and youth leaders wrote out a blessing, a tribute, to their students. I didn't think we were going to attend, it was up to my son and he decided to go. Last minute, mind you. The following is a letter, blessing, and tribute to my son.

*****

Dear Layne,

You were a tough one. And you had it tough. The adults in your life messed up and unfortunately, you had to live with our consequences. But you managed to find yourself. Somehow you learned how to forgive. What an awesome quality. Well done.

Here is my verse for you from Jeremiah, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."

God was always a part of your life. I see that now. He just showed up in unique way. To you, God is a joyful noise, and you are His. The Psalmist says to "Praise God with the clash of cymbals, praise Him with resounding cymbals." You are the drummer boy with an incredible gift of music, like David who could quiet the stormy soul of a tormented king. We've seen you on stage and mesmerize the audience but also made them jump and clap for joy!

You, Layne, are a philosopher. You are quiet deep waters. Most of the time you run silent but when you speak, well, you speak with questions. Questions I usually can't answer but I suspect you found the answers anyhow. So keep asking.

You might not be book smart (though I think you know more than you're willing to share) and yet you can build the tables we eat from and the chairs we sit on. You didn't like school but you are a teacher. You are gifted and talented.

You are a carpenter, a builder, a musician and a writer. You are a poet and you have an amazing knack to make us think and wonder. You make us smile!

Give these talents and gifts back to the Lord and success will walk hand in hand with you. Remember that, "*Beyond this world is what's always breathing, beyond this world is worth dying for." And just to remind you of your favorite verse in Proverbs 3:5, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths."

*Lyrics by The Devil Wears Prada