to a hero on his birthday

According to dictionary.com, the definition of a hero is "the principal male character in a story; a man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities." He is "regarded as a model, or ideal." He is a man "distinguished by exceptional strength, courage, nobility, and fortitude." A hero is a "defender" and "protector." On wikipedia, a hero is described as one who, "in the face of danger and adversity or from a position of weakness, display courage and the will for self-sacrifice -- that is, heroism."

Wow. 

I knew that my Seth was a hero, but I never knew that his picture should be in the dictionary next to the word! ...Until I looked up these definitions this morning! Then I looked up "fortitude." WOW. Fortitude is "mental and emotional strength in facing difficulty, adversity, danger, or temptation courageously," or "strength and firmness of mind; resolute endurance."

Seth,

When I married you, I knew that you were set apart; that The Lord had set you apart from others, to stand out as a pillar of strength, one who would stand up for what is right, who would not waiver, who would remain faithful, who would not allow discouragement to settle in.

I saw only a small glimpse at the time, of what was to come!

Back then, we didn't have any deep or weighty concerns, really. We were free, in a worldly sense... No children to worry about, not a single health concern, no mortgage to pay each month, nothing to maintain or care for except ourselves...

And yet, you were a giver, even back then. Always helping whoever needed your help...tirelessly. Always befriending the most unlovely....without bias... without ulterior motives... innocently... just out of a pure heart of love.... Finding a great parking spot, and then purposely taking the worst spot, in order to leave the best ones for others (who does that!?)...

I have been the chief witness as The Lord has done a work in you as well. You are much softer now than you were then. You had such a resolute mind for what was right, that so many times I could never see any motive at all behind your actions. Love and emotions were not easily seen. You were a pillar... you were to be counted on.... you were a rock... all good things... but hard things... It was like you did it because it was the right way to do it, not because you were moved to do it...

I think our children have changed you. I mean, ultimately The Lord has changed you... and circumstances... and suffering.... but there is nothing like having a son (or three) that makes you a different man. I have been a witness as The Lord has used James and Josiah and even little Caleb as a vehicle for softening you. I know that it was also a prayer of yours way back when... that He would make you more compassionate, able to be moved, deeper... and He has answered you! Praise Him!!

I often wonder how you turned out so exceptional with so many "issues" in your own relationship with your dad. I guess it was our God who taught you how to be a real hero. He is a father to the fatherless. He is the ultimate courageous, self-sacrificing, rescuer and defender. He patches all the leaking holes. What better example to have learned from than "the man" himself!? Jesus. But it takes a willing heart, and you have been pliable to Him. I admire that because I know my own stubbornness.

You are a simple man, and I really don't know why you continually torture yourself by choosing to surround yourself with complicated people like me. HAHA!! Ok, that was somewhat of a joke, but there is truth there, too... I mean, it all goes back to how you are a giver. Not self-seeking. I just love that.

It's been a dirty, filthy, dusty road at times, with all sorts of peaks and valleys, hasn't it? Potholes, too. That catch us off guard! Sometimes, though, after we have been in a long valley together, tripped and stumbled over our own feet, and done the miserable trek back up the mountain together, and we look out over the horizon at the vast, wide open space of more peaks and valleys, I can't help but think how the journey is, and will be, so sweet because of you. Anyone else by my side, and I think - I know - I would simply fall apart... or stop walking altogether, probably... Just find the nearest cave and crawl into it!! And I guess I have actually done that before!! But you have learned how to gently lead me out, and help me to continue on.

You are my home. It doesn't matter to me whether the stock market crashes and our country enters the next great depression, or we lose everything we have worked for in an instant, and we're living in the back of your ancient, barely running work truck! HA! Or, like last week, when we stood there together and stared at the really large number that we owe on our taxes (sigh) and we take a deep breath and wonder how that's all gonna work out... and how to trust God in that moment... or when we get more bad news about James' health, and it seems that we are both doing the absolute best that we can, and still can't keep the dang kid healthy!!! ...If I can still crawl into your arms at night, snuggle in and fall asleep there, then I still have a home. It seems that everything will be alright....

You radiate JESUS. That is why I love you.


So VERY thankful for your life today, and so undeservedly blessed that you are mine! Happy Birthday, Seth Daniel Condit.