This poem is dedicated to my grandson Jared, who turns 18 this week.

The third and final milestone,
of the teenage years,
calls for an ovation,
and many birthday cheers.

Years ago you would be,
considered of legal age.
But times have changed,
now it’s no longer the gauge.

The world says now you must attain,
the future age of twenty-one.
Then you will finally be ready,
to go out and have some fun.

But still yet it changes again,
now you must be twenty-six.
And as for now, I think that’s the age,
when you finally enter the worldly mix.

We’ve been to many different places,
and thrice to Myrtle Beach,
where Putt-Putt Champion,
was within everyone’s reach.

Myrtle Beach had a thunder and lightning storm,
and Grandma got locked out.
Jay was trying to photograph lightning,
he and Jen didn’t know Grandma wasn’t about.

Jared and I found her,
when we came up from the pool.
We had the keycard to enter the room,
we thought that was cool.

Atlanta has also been the town,
we visited more and more.
The aquarium and old Turner Field,
it never became a bore.

The World of Coke a favourite,
we’ve visited more than once.
And drank a world of Coke,
every ounce by ounce.

We even went to Georgia to eat,
at a very special place.
The diner was crowded, we had to wait,
but five turkey dinners set the pace.

We’ve been to the mall with NASCAR,
and battled from dusk ’til dawn.
Jay and Jared beat McMurray,
it was simple, like a yawn.

You never get to go to some places,
you really want to go.
But all in all I think you’re happy,
in the places we got to know.

If it wasn’t for your knowledge,
I would not have this site.
To offer words of encouragement,
and share Jesus’ glorious Light.

We have a better choice to make,
and isn’t it a great thing to know:
we live in the world but are not part of it,
and we’re planted in Christ to grow.

And age is not the criteria,
it’s not on how our life is selected.
It’s our faith in Jesus Christ,
living for Him, that we elected.

The world may seem glorious,
but it has no credibility.
Only living in Christ,
is a guarantee for eternity.

Your choice has been made,
and the future looks bright.
You’ll never walk in darkness,
Jesus is Eternal Light.

So happy birthday Jared,
I’m glad you’re on the right track.
Enjoy the day, it’s special for you,
your future is ahead, never look back.