Well, here we are in the midst of Hurricane Matthew and poor Micah is cooped up having to weather the storm on a day when we should be celebrating. However, as I said yesterday, Micah seems to be doing well and holding it (seemingly) together. I certainly would not like to be in his shoes on my birthday – no matter what the attitude was.
Over the years I have seen a man of character grow up. Micah has always been intense and had deep convictions causing him to have strong sentiments about any number of issues. I have seen him grow internally in so many ways because of that depth and unconventional thirst for knowledge. He is developing into a person of integrity, much more so than the vast majority of people his age. I know I did not think or feel that deeply at his age. So for him, like anyone with that depth, it is both a blessing and a curse – the same as each of our personalities are for us all.
Micah’s desire to do the right thing causes him to dig deeply and be hesitant about his decision making process. A wise thing to do most of the time. At times, I can see it causing internal struggles because he does not like doing the wrong thing or making improper decisions. None of us like that – he hates it. I have seen him dwell on some of those decisions too long causing indecisiveness. At other times he will step up when the rest of us are baffled, take over and do the right thing with authority. He has amazed me on multiple occasions.
When I think about the meaning of Micah’s name – Micah Alexandre or “Who is like God, the warrior” I am not amazed that he is becoming his name. I have seen him fight fierce battles internally – the biggest is his direction in life. I know he will be successful once there is clarity in that path. However, with the depth of his name comes the depth of his reality – he is a warrior and that battle continues within him the same way it consumed Isaiah and Ezekiel. Two great men with the struggle between two worlds. Yet I see Micah winning the battle of the heart. Obviously, the most important one.
What is interesting to me is to watch all of you kids grow and develop in your own unique way. Some of you have pursued your lives based on short, medium and long-term desires, yet each of you has grown and made me proud in one way or another. For my man Micah much still remains to be seen, but I know it will be good when the time is right. I have not seen him fail at anything he really wants to pursue.
My only advice to him at this point in life is to not be as stressed about making mistakes. We all will continue to make them and sometimes by not making them we rob ourselves of great learning experiences. You know I am not talking about doing something intentionally wrong as that is not your normal nature. What I mean is exploring and trying something new, even if it is scary or “iffy.” It may be the only way you have to find the direction you need. It’s ok to find out that you don’t like some things because it brings you closer to the things you WILL like!
I wish I could have been with you today, but I am glad to have had the time to reflect on a son who continues to grow and develop properly in God’s eyes. Yes, you are God’s warrior and yes, each step in life takes you closer. I know you will stay the course – it is who you are. Happy Birthday son. You are growing into quite the man – God’s man.
Love Dad