Dear John Henry,
You begin first grade today. I can hardly believe it. Really, I can’t. If it weren’t for the fact you’ve lost four teeth, grown another inch, and expanded your vocabulary, I’d swear you are still the little boy in this picture mesmerized by airplanes.
Airplanes don’t capture your attention the way they used to. I’m sure it’s due to the constant exposure and your Daddy Kris being a pilot. Although, I know you still think that being a pilot is cool. You do, right?
It’s okay if airplanes and other things begin to fade from your interest list. What’s important is that your pursuit of Christ doesn’t fade. That being in relationship with your Creator never grows stale. Never gets old.
That He always captures your attention.
I prayed the usual prayer I always pray over you last night. But, just before I said, “Amen,” I prayed something new for you.
I prayed you would begin to hear God’s voice.
You know that feeling you sometimes get to make a good choice instead of a bad choice? Or that feeling you sometimes get to give one of your toys to a friend? Or that feeling you sometimes get to pray for someone? That’s kind of what God’s voice sounds like at times.
I’m praying that His voice becomes clearer and clearer to you.
Familiar.
Comfortable.
Natural.
That’s what I’m praying for you this school year.
I can’t wait to hear what God tells you. I know He will tell you what I tell you so often:
I love you, son.
DustyTakle.com 
So sweet.
I can testify that praying this way for our kids is not in vain. My boys, now 10 and 12 are hearing His voice — really hearing it in their hearts – in ways I didn’t experience until I was much much older. My prayer is they will not remember a time when they didn’t hear him…
First grade is so wonderful. My kids grew up TONS in first grade…
So precious…love that you have the blog to document your life…caused me to remember when you went to your room and wrapped one of your toys and gave it to Bonnie…:)
Can’t hold back the tears of course….What an amazing daughter you are Dusty and the most incredible Mom in the world. I have never been more proud to me your Mom than I am right now..Your children will rise up and call you blessed!
I love you~
Wow! Love it! You sweet little mama!
What toy, mom?
That is sweet, sweet, sweet!! You are such a good mother. I am so proud to be your friend. Love you!
I’m proud to be YOURS! Love YOU!
this encouraged ME. Sometimes I forget that the Holy Spirit is a gentleman and doesn’t force his way, he just gently leads. Thanks Dusty, it’s amazing how we are all His, and the simple things confound the wise and speak peace to our souls. 🙂
You really need to stop, cause I’m at work right now and I’m about to start crying. Its scrap yard for crying out loud! I’m supposed act tuff round here…geez!
Sorry, JT. I do love your heart.
Ok, so I can’t stop the tears from flowing. That is the sweetest prayer that ANYONE could ever pray over another person especially your children. You are a great Mother and Daughter and your children will rise up and call you blessed! Love ya!
Boo, don’t remember the toy, maybe BG does…just know Dusty was very, very small, maybe 4 and it was a favorite toy not just something she didn’t care about….it was just really sweet…
The first time I really got serious about praying that my children would hear God’s voice, within two weeks Mary Claire, age 7, walked into my bedroom (will never forget this) and said, “Mama, God just told me He wants yall to adopt a baby.” News to me! As you know, that Baby is here and is now almost 14.
Anna reminds me so much of MC at that age, with her independent spirit and clothes style-ha, ha-watch out!!!
Sweet blog, (tears too) lol, and a wonderful mom that loves God teaching her children about His love!! Awesome! I have had the opportunity to reveal that love later on in my daughters lives, but got to share with my Grandchildren, to plant seeds!! God’s mercies are new every morning for sure!! He gives us more chances!! More love!
Beautiful prayer & relationship U & your mom have!!! As someone who worked with first graders for many years, Kim is right. They aren’t the same little people when they leave first grade as they were when they started!!!
this is truly beautiful, Dusty.
sweet! He’s going to treasure this one day. 🙂
Dusty, first, I am happy that God made it possible for us to be friends. Second, your blog is such a big ministry to me and I love you for sharing your heart. You are an inspiration to me. You are a cool, cool chic. I am proud to know you.
*sniff*
Dusty… I have been reading your blogs and am so moved by each and evey story. Dear John Henry is the sweetest letter i have ever read. Brought tears to my eyes! What a beautiful and trusting person you are. I pray that i can get back my purssue for Christ! I have just been going through the motions and really not feeling Him! Thank you for all your blogging 🙂