An Open Letter to My Son, Avery Bennett Grizzard

Dear Avery Bennett Grizzard,

From the moment we first discovered your upcoming arrival, we were surprised. That surprise soon grew into anticipation and that anticipation soon grew into love and that love – so mysterious and remarkable in that we have never met you and yet so natural as if you have always been with us – soon developed into joy. That joy has fought through some tears of difficulty, as we were never certain of your full arrival, but it is a joy that God has given to us even in the midst of doubt, believing and hoping all things for you.

In hoping all things for you, as your father it is not easy for me to admit to you that I will often times get in the way of what God dreams you to be. In fact, what I want will at points contradict what he wants, but I am still hopeful that His love will not fail you. I am persuaded that neither height nor depth nor life nor death, nor angels, nor things present, nor things to come, nor any other person shall separate you from the love of God that you will find in Jesus the Christ who has given His life for you.

As I write this to you, the weeks are turning into days and the days will soon turn into minutes leading up to the moment of unspeakable joy when you arrive. I know that these are some of the most treasured moments of your and my life, as soon the minutes will turn into days and the days will turn into weeks and the weeks will turn into years, and you will one day be sitting to write words to your new child. But, today let us celebrate your coming as a grand event of God’s creation, because you are truly remarkable and I cannot wait to begin the journey of getting to know you.

Your family, the Grizzard’s, are eagerly awaiting your arrival, also. In fact, your mother is feeling the actual pain of that anticipation as she is taking care of you now. Many nights she has asked me to touch her belly so I could feel your movement. Life will go on at some point and I will not always be this concerned with the details of your being, but I treasure it for now, because God has given me you in this moment of my life.

Your mother has worked hard to make sure everything is ready for your entry into the world, and it has not been easy, but she has persevered with great hope that you will be comfortable in your new home. She has also asked your brother and sisters to be ready to help you their little brother grow and learn. In fact, J.T. early on took his responsibility of being the big brother very seriously, and even lamented that he would be the only one to teach you everything. I laughingly assured him that we would certainly help.

Your sisters Alyssa and Alexis are also very excited about your being here. Alyssa has asked if she can be in the room when you come out, but we are still not sure if this is a good idea, but we love her enthusiasm for your arrival. Alexis often asks a lot of questions about your coming here, even ones we are not yet ready to answer. She is always the curious one and you will enjoy meeting her and will never fail to have something to talk about with her. Alyssa will also be a joy to get to know, because she is always very full of energy and a desire to have fun, sometimes without necessarily thinking through the consequences of that fun. J.T. will also be a delight for you to grow up with, as he has a really witty sense of humor, and will sacrifice much for getting friends to smile.

Avery, I really think you will enjoy your new journey with us, although we (most especially I) have many imperfections and you will soon see these. But, we love you and we are confident that our extended family The River will love you, as well.

As you make final preparations over the next few days to leave mommy, so you can see all of us, remember that we love you now and will always be part of you no matter where you go. Our love for you is only exceeded by our hope that you will come to meet Jesus, as He is the One who is the Song of Creation and he makes all of life worth living. Avery, as your name means “nobility” or “wise counselor”, we are comforted in knowing that your nobility will be tied to your relationship with Jesus the Christ, and your wisdom will come from above, as you learn to submit yourself to Jesus and to those who love you. Now, as we await your birth, we commit you to the One’s feet under whom are all things. And it is with this faith, we long with hope and joy and peace to know you as God’s gift of creation to us. As he gives to us, we now give back to Him you and begin the steps of this new adventure of yours called life. See you soon!

Your Father,

Jason Timothy Grizzard