Josiah: Fire of the Lord

 Back when I was doing my “mug posts,” Josiah asked me if I was going to do one for him. I said I would, eventually. I decided that today is the day. I chose a photo mug that features a couple of Josiah’s pictures. They remind me of his zest for life and provide sweet sentiments of the little boy he once was—now he’s becoming a true “young man.”

Because of his faith in Christ, Josiah belongs to a royal bloodline—he is a prince of the Lord. But he is not a prince whom God intends to keep “safely tucked away” in the comforts of a palace—his palatial estate is in Heaven, and the call on his life is to bring the supernatural reality of Heaven to earth.

We named him Josiah as a name of destiny, knowing only that it meant “the fire of the Lord.” The Hebrew meaning is “Jehovah has healed” or “God supports.” Another meaning cited for the name is “God will save.” It seems clear that the presence of the Lord is undeniable in the significance of this name. And that is our declaration over our son’s life as well.

Josiah, since he could get around, has been nothing if not tenacious. He is also conscientious about anything he invests himself in. Furthermore, he is compassionate, full of keen humor, and artistically gifted (drawing, in particular). Like his father, Josiah is a visionary-builder. Not only can he see in his mind’s eye what he wants to create, but he is also able to construct or build it! He has amazed us with his creations over the years, even from a very young age. He was just seven when, using scraps , nails, and tools, he built a ladder and loft in a backyard tree, all with his own two hands and from “blueprints” in his own mind.

Josiah is a born leader and has the potential to be an even greater influencer for Christ than he already is. He has a gift by which he is able to see events that haven’t yet occurred or things God wants to do in a person’s life. He used to wonder why God would give him these “words of knowledge.” I believe he’s beginning to understand that it’s because God has a purpose and plan for his life, to speak for Him and help “set the captives free,” to further Christ’s Kingdom on the earth.

Able to turn a phrase most impressively, Josiah is a talented writer. Like his mother, he enjoys learning new and fun-sounding words. Today, during a game of Banana-grams, he learned that “nape” is a word. I guess he’d never heard the term—and we’ve never had kittens born at our house, so he just wasn’t familiar with it. But now it will become part of his vocabulary.

Josiah enjoys music and has an ear for it. Thus, he picked up playing the piano fairly quickly. He also has some sweet moves he likes to show off…when he’s at home. He’s been working on the moonwalk for a couple years now, and I have to say I’m impressed with his skill.

Little kids gravitate to Josiah. He has a way of being patient and gentle with them and looking out for them that engenders instant trust—they also think he’s an absolute blast to hang out with. And I’d have to say I agree. I’m encouraging him to try and work more frequently in children’s ministries at church.

Josiah is thoughtful. He likes to do special things for people and will go “all out” once he gets a phenomenal idea. In fourth grade, he spent hours fashioning an entire nativity scene as a gift for his teacher, Mrs. Bittner. It had to be “just right.” And he’s been known to leave special notes from time to time as well.

Josiah loves deeply and thinks deeply. Though at times he’s a bit of a mystery—a heartfelt hug from Josiah is an experience not easily equaled. He’s an affectionate person who likes to share experiences with those he cares most about. He likes fishing, crawdadding, playing in the ocean, playing Black Ops II and Halo 4, and watching nerdy shows with eccentric characters like Monk, Psych, and Dr. Who.

Josiah’s love extends to animals as well. He likes reptiles and has a pet iguana, Arwen. He also has great fondness for his cat, Garrett.

My Josiah is definitely a one-and-only. He’s one of the greatest blessings I could ever imagine, and I am perpetually proud of him. He has enriched my life in countless ways. I am thankful God picked me to be his mom.

Josiah’s favorite Scripture is Jeremiah 29:13, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” My prayer for him is that he would seek God wholeheartedly all the days of his life, growing to know Him in such a way that he becomes a man after God’s own heart, and as it says further on in Acts 13:22, do everything God wants him to do. That is a quest I know God has equipped Josiah for--I pray it will be a growing desire in His heart and that, like other less pressing challenges, he will face it fiercely--with that God-given tenacity that makes him "the fire of the Lord."