I love that kid.

Caleb's teacher emailed me on Wednesday to tell me that he was going to be rewarded on Friday for demonstrating their core value of the month.  She ended her email with, "He makes me laugh every day, I love that kid."

I just smiled.  If only I had a dollar for every time someone said that to me about Caleb.  "I love that kid."  

And you know what?  I love that kid too.  

Even when his personality is a little too big for his britches, God knew what he was doing when he gave me this precious boy as a gift.  I would be bored to tears without the husband and children God blessed me with and there is never a dull moment when Caleb is around.

He was rewarded for displaying Individuality and this mama could not be any more proud.  I stand back and look at my son, my only son, and I am in awe.  I really am.  And not just because I am his mama - but because He is one of the coolest kids I know and is very comfortable in his own skin.

He got two rewards last year (hey, can't a mom brag just a little bit?).  One was for Generosity.   The other for Hope.  And even though, I was very proud of him for being rewarded with those, this one feels different.

I feel like Bruno and I had a part in showing him, or teaching him how to be generous.  Not just with things, but with words and with affection.  He was rewarded for his generosity because he always had something kind & uplifting to say to his teacher and classmates.  I feel like Bruno and I even had a part in teaching him and showing him how there is always Hope.  We have pointed him to Jesus Christ and tried to display how to place his Hope in God and what He can do in any situation, especially the hardest situations. 

But I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that him being rewarded for his individuality is all of God's work in him.  Him being all God created Him to be.  And honestly, I think I could stand to learn a thing, or ten... maybe 20 from him.  The truth is, I wish I was as comfortable in my own skin as Caleb is. 

I wish I could be myself without worrying about what anyone else thinks.

I wish I could laugh hysterically at myself even when no one else does (ok, wait - maybe I do that already).

I wish I didn't compare myself to others.

I wish I could forgive as easily and quickly as he can.

I wish I was okay with being my loud, boisterous self without trying to tame it down a bit because other people don't like it. 

I wish I could recognize my talents and use them.

I wish my heart was half as big as his is.

I wish I got as excited about small things as he does.

I wish I was as fearless as He is.

I wish I could say exactly what needs to be said out of my heart instead of my flesh the way he does.

The letter that was sent home today said that he has been seen discovering who he is meant to be to make a difference.  He makes a big difference in being part of our family, that's for sure.  I am excited to see what the Lord continues to do in this generous, hopeful, one of a kind individual.

There is no doubt in my mind that the Lord will use him to make a difference for His Kingdom.  I pray that Caleb never ceases to be exactly who the Lord made him to be.