Daze 3: Two Sons Who Share Character Traits

OK, so you probably know I also have and love a son. Actually, I love two sons. One came from birth and one from rebirth. To know them both is to love them. Let me tell you about them.

So you already know that my first love in life is the Son of God. I met Him through rebirth when I was 16. Since those early days I have followed Him and decided He would always be my first love. My husband is my second love and models the love of Jesus to me every day. I'd be lost without either of them. The first Son I am writing about today is the One who took on human skin to find out what it was like to live like we do. He lived through the pandemic of our sin as it covered the earth and took His own life. It was and is a pandemic far worse than the corona daze. He died to end the sin pandemic and demonstrate the never-ending love of God the Father.

Then there's the other son I love. I was so delighted when they told me that my firstborn child was a boy. I awoke on the gurney returning from the operating room (a C-section after 52 hours labor). He was such a joy to my heart and his father's. Jonathan Milo Leal, was middle-named after his dad, grandpa, and many other relatives. From the beginning we knew he was special. He was quick to learn, talk, and walk (at 7 months!)--one month before we left to live in Nepal! He spent his first six years growing up there. And then he grew up too quickly, completed two masters degrees while I was teaching at Ohio University, and now he owns his own company, Milo's Whole World Gourmet. His products are delicious and recommended highly.

My firstborn shares many good character traits with Son of God. He is compassionate, gracious, slow to anger (usually), abounding in love and faithfulness and has a deep rooted sense of loyalty. He has watched over us and stood by us in some rough spots, as we have stood by him. He and his partner Barry still live and work in Athens. We deeply hope this firstborn son will return to his first love of the Son of our Heavenly Father, whose heart birthed and demonstrated these character traits.

As this Easter remembrance approaches, I'm so very grateful for these two sons and to remember all they have done for me. I am especially grateful for what Jesus has done for all of us, to end the sin pandemic and offer everlasting life. I've written poems for this season, and will include those too in the posts ahead beginning on Palm Sunday.

Exodus 34:6-7: "The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin."

 

Psalm 4: "How long will you people turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods? Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him."

Dazzled

Lord, take away the false jewels,

            The ones impure, untrue,

So all my hopes and dreams

            Be dazzled just by You.

Shine forth Your light and cleanse me,

            From impurity and sin.

I give it all to you, Lord,

            Cleanse my heart within.

Help me not seek false gods,

            Or love delusions and lies.

Protect me from my own heart,

            Hear only the true cries.

You are kind and merciful,

            You sing into my heart.

Open the doors and windows,

            Let all weariness depart.

Confusing thoughts will cease then,

            Gone will be the strife.

Then I’ll sleep in safety, and

            Peace will fill my life.