On Miles's Fourth Birthday

Abba, Father,
thank you for my grandson,
Miles Jacob Hostetler,
who turns four years old today.

Thank you for his health,
his charm,
his energy
and gusto.

Thank you that he likes to pray.
Thank you for his sharp mind,
his engaging smile,
his expanding vocabulary,
his insightful eyes,
his big heart.

Thank you for the joy he brings me,
for the ways he lifts my spirits,
for the love we share.

Thank you for giving him to me,
through his parents.
Thank you for them,
and the wise and attentive way
they are raising him.

Thank you for every day
and every moment
of these first four years of his life,
and please grant many, many more
to come,
in Jesus' name, amen.