Dear David,
Surprise! From the oldest of the Staddon sons to the youngest of Staddon sons: a proclamation: to recognize the anchor-position you have in our family David!
Believe it or not, one of those things that the oldest in the family worries about is whether or not the younger ones will always follow his good example, if you know what I mean. The first time that I was away for longer than a month you were only one and I missed you a lot. At that time I knew that Michael and Robert were strong though and it was encouraging to think of them “holding the fort”. Now years later it’s amazing to see that God has given us strength, as a family, right to the very end of our “school years”. With Michael and Jonathan, it has been great to hold the fort with you while Robert, Esther, James and Daniel are away.
In thirteen years, God has had us out on many different missions, adventures, and battlefields hasn’t he? I am grateful for the times God gives us to work and learn as a family. As you’ve gone from boyhood to manhood I see that you are choosing to trust God to be your Teacher and Leader. Now I feel like saying what it says in III John: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth”. It has encouraged me a lot and I wanted to let you know that it is one of the single most significant factors that has freed me to “go and make disciples” outside our family too. And guess what!? You will probably end up being an even better example for others really than I was!
That’s so precious! David, you are so blessed to have older siblings to come along side and encourage you in the ways of the Lord.
Amen, Donald! David, your name means “beloved” and brother, you are sure living up to the meaning of your name! We appreciate the godly character qualities you demonstrate every day. God bless you! 🙂
I’m quite fortunate to be your brother, David! I can’t wait to come back home for a bit, here in a few weeks, to get back in touch with all the new artistic works and creative inventions you and Jonathan come up with. I love you very much! Hold the fort; reinforcements are now appearing!
How the wonderful memories come rushing back as I look at all those pictures, David! As the youngest, you truly have an anchor position in the family, and I know God is pleased with the decisions you have been making at this crucial time in your life.
You have been an inspiring, humble, but solid leader Donald and it is a joy to see how it has been passed on through the family. A special blog post indeed!