Happy Birthday Elder Jackson

Can my baby really be turning 20 today? Wasn't it yesterday when he stood on the pitching mound in little league? Somehow between baseball games he grew up into a man. What a joy he has been in our lives. I believe the Lord sent us Chris to make us laugh. Chris wakes up each morning with a smile on his face ready to begin a new adventure each day. He was always such a happy kid. What a blessing he has been in our family. We had him on our mind this morning as always....but with it being his birthday even more so. Scott and I attended stake conference this weekend. A lot of the focus of conference was on missionary work. One of the speakers in the morning session talked about these missionaries giving of their time and sacrificing their education, family, and friends, to go and preach the gospel. He compared them to those Stippling Warriors in the Army of Helamen. Valiant sons of God. I got a little lump in my throat as he spoke of them in a reverent manner. The closing song today was "I'll go where you want me to go" Well, those that are familiar with the song know that it is often sung in a sacrament meeting as a missionary is preparing to leave and enter into the mission field. The chorus goes "I'll go where you want me to go dear lord. Over mountain or plain or sea. I"ll say what you want me to say Dear Lord. I'll be what you want me to be." Well....by the time we had sung the chorus the second time I had tears welling up in my eyes. Scott squeezed me and said "Me too" So....by the time the third verse rolled around we both were fighting back tears....but to no avail. "There's surely somewhere a lowly place in earth's harvest fields so wide, where I may labor through life's short day for Jesus the Crucified. So trusting my all to Thy tender care, and knowing Thou lovest me, I"ll do Thy will with a heart sincere: I'll be what you want me to be." We were unable to sing the words as our hearts were full at that moment. Sending a child on a mission is a wonderful thing....but sending them in to a country in turmoil is bittersweet. The missionaries serving in Mexico have our hearts with them. We know that conditions there have become very dangerous. I also know that when my son knelt in prayer he asked the Lord to send him to Mexico. He wanted to serve there since he was a little boy. So.....I'm wishing my boy in Mexico a very happy birthday. I know that this is where he wants to be. I know that this is where the Lord needed him. I know that he has had experiences there that will shape the man he will become. I'm thankful for his decision to serve the Lord. Happy birthday Elder Jackson. We love you.