Tuesday, September 7, 2021

Our Ten Year Old Reuben

Our sweet Reuben is now double digits! It doesn't seem possible that we could have three children now in the pre-teen phase, but we are blessed to have such amazing children. 


Reuben joined our family on the outside ten years ago today! 

I can't express to you what a joy and delight Reuben is to our family! He is so mild mannered and for the most part even tempered that he just goes with the flow in spite of the chaos or fullness around him. He watches and takes it all in. He listens to what's around him. He also enjoys the stories in his own mind. Reuben loves to read and learn as well as imagine and create. He's a thinker and loves to put things together. He's quiet and caring and such a vital part of the Manor Manor.

One of the amazing things about Reuben is that he can fix anything! God has given him an incredible mind to look at something and find a solution for how to put it back together. He's become our handyman in training and regularly fixes drawers, doors, cabinets and shelves. He also practices his building skill with Legos and builds both from instructions and his own imagination. Building and putting together is probably one of his favorite things to do.

Reuben inherited creativity from his Creator. He loves to draw, color, create with origami and other paper creations. He is wanting to write a book series about heros and has been writing down ideas for these books. Creativity runs deep in his veins and it is so fun to see it emerge in many different ways. His drawings from our study of Revelation as a family were amazing and so realistic! He constantly surprises us.

Reuben also loves to read and learn. He reads books of all kinds from lift the flap from Usborne to chapter books. He has been working on The Hobbit this year as his stretch book and enjoys comparing it to the movie. Right now he's very interested in geography, Biblical studies and what firefighters do. 

We call Reuben "Muscles" because God has given him a natural strength that goes along with his natural building and fixing tendencies and preparing him well for becoming a fire fighter. He loves to climb, swing and use his muscles for fun activities. He also uses them to carry heavy objects for his mama and help when Daddy is not here to do the heavy lifting. He is eager to help and wants to help others regularly. When asked why he wants to be a fire fighter he says so he can help people.

Our Reuben is so sweet and tender. He is easily upset and doesn't like to see others hurting. This is a gift and it helps him care well for his siblings. It's amazing to see how God has given him such a heart already. He is learning Scripture and memorizing it and learning more about the God of the Universe. He also prays for missionaries and to obey. We clearly see God working in his heart and mind. Reuben is such a gift and I'm thankful everyday that God has given him to our family.

Father, thank You for our sweet Reuben. Thank You for how You're working in his life. Please continue to draw him to You and bring him to life in Jesus. Thank You for his sweet spirit and desire to help others. Make Reuben more like You even as You draw him. We pray all this in the Name of Jesus. Amen.