A Wise Son

The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him. Let your father and mother be glad; let her who bore you rejoice.

Proverbs 23:24-25

 As I continue to catalogue my gratitude, it is appropriate to express my thanksgiving to God for our son, Sim. He is a gift; we are blessed to have a wise son who has distinguished himself in his character and accomplishments. It will be a hard year as he transitions to college; however, it is time for him to go out and make his way. Sim has done his namesake—Simril McDowell Henderson—proud, loving God and neighbor through Jesus Christ. Well done, son.

Years ago, Melissa and I set out to raise a healthy family. Young and zealous, we sought to do something that exceeded our wisdom and knowledge. Subsequent experience taught us the fragility of this quest in a broken world. But God, being rich in mercy, countered our weaknesses as we entrusted our cause to him. We are thankful for all his provisions.

Through times of blessing and difficulty, we can happily attest that our God has not forsaken his promises. No, in all things, the boundaries have fallen for us in pleasant places. We saw answer upon answer to our prayers beyond what we asked, imagined, or deserved. 

With thankful hearts, we are pleased to announce that Sim will attend Furman University next year. As alumni, we are delighted that Sim will walk where we walked, enjoying the opportunity to grow in wisdom and knowledge in this environment. As the recipient of a Charles H. Townes and Bell Tower scholarship, Sim has distinguished himself in the classroom and the community. We are thrilled that his hard work has been acknowledged and that God has opened this door for him.

Sim, go out and do great things. God is for you; who can be against you? 

And, as you go out into God’s world, may the words of this hymn—written for you—always go with you …

The Lord is Your Shepherd

Verse 1

 May you grow in wisdom and stature in favor with God and man.

May you lean upon his wisdom; may he bless the works of your hands.

May he be a shield about you, and the lifter of your head.

May he hear your every cry, and be your salvation. 

Chorus

The Lord is your Shepherd; good and true is he.

The Lord is your Shepherd without want you’ll be.

The Lord is your Shepherd. 

Verse 2

May he restore your soul when you wander away from him.

May he grant you to turn; hide his face from your sin.

 May he guide you on his path and be a lamp in the dark.

May he teach you his will and write his law on your heart.

Verse 3 

May your tears be turned to laughter and your tongue filled with praise.

May you know in the valley his promise remains. 

May he bless you and keep you as you go out on your way.

May his face shine upon you; give you peace all your days.

We are proud of you, Sim. May God bless you and establish the works of your hands, Amen.