My boy, you have great strength. It surprises me how strong you are even though you are still quite small.

You are always saying “look how strong I am, mommy” as you lift something of impressive size. I smile because I am proud of you, “God made you strong,” I say.

And then I remind you:

Your strength is in your kindness.

Your strength is in your gentleness.

Your strength is in your patience.

Your strength is in your goodness.

Your strength is in your faithfulness.

Your strength is in your peace.

Your strength is in your joy.

Your strength is in your self control.

Your strength is in your love.

There is more to a boy than just muscles. There is more to strength than power. There is great responsibility in the strength of your hands.

If you are given the gift of a wife, she will need you to be faithful, good and kind. Be strong for her. Be faithful to her. Be good to her. Be kind to her.

If you are given the gift of a baby, that little one will need you to be gentle and patient. Be strong for him. Be gentle with him. Be patient with him.

If trials should come your way you will need peace and joy. Be strong in the trials. Be peaceful. Be joyful.

Your strength will be found often in not what you can do, but in what you choose not to do.

It’s strength that helps a man hold his tongue.

It’s strength that keeps a man calm in the face of a fight.

It’s strength that drives a man to his knees before God.

It’s strength that takes a man to work every day, no matter what, to provide for his family.

Your strength has been given to you by God, your creator.

My boy, you have great strength, be wise in how you use it.

***For more encouragement and real life stories be sure to follow Sprinkles In My Closet with Jenn Kish on Facebook. ***