An Adult?!

My baby brother.  Wise beyond his 18 years.  More compassionate and more concerned for the poor and the hurting and the needy than most twice his age.  A heart as big as the sun.  A love to true and so pure for our Savior.  So determined and disciplined.  Committed.  Passionate.  Unashamed and unafraid of who he is...so willing to share himself with others.  Strong.  Known to forget to relay a phone message...or to eat.  The metabolism of a tapeworm(it's hilarious and disgusting and we're all jealous).  Lover of his guitar, hot pockets, loud music, cheez-its, pink shirts, Casas por Cristo, youth group, soccer(he is amazing), singing that fabulous high note that gives me chills, pringles, writing songs, and dirt cake...do you still love peanut butter in frozen yogurt(can't beLIEVE we did that)??  Desire to follow Christ is so pure and so powerful and so inspiring.  He doesn't take The Great Commission lightly.  It is His call to action.  Determined to swim against the stream.  Destined for something Great.   

Every time I hear Hillsong's "Hosanna," I think of Gabe.  It's become one of my faves and it's hard not to think these lyrics weren't written about Gabe...

I see a generation
Rising up to take the place
With selfless faith, selfless faith

Heal my heart and make it clean
Open up my eyes to the things unseen
Show me how to love like You have loved me

Break my heart for what breaks Yours
Everything I am for Your kingdom's cause
As I walk from earth into eternity

Brother, hold true to who God has created you to be and who He has called you to be.  You are a light in the darkness...you see brilliant color in a black and white world...you are amazing.  I love you and am so proud to be (one of) your "big" sister(s).  Miss you, buddy.  Happy 18th Birthday!!!!

PS    We all know you're a stud.

PSS  You're kinda funny, too.