Fashionable Eli

How can a young man keep his way pure?
By living according to your word.
Psalm 119:9

On January 19th, Eli turned 16. I would have written about him last week but as it was Eng’s birthday on Sunday, I wrote about Eng instead, knowing I can do this for Eli now. I know Eng is in agreement with me that Eli had changed so much from last year. It is amazing how he’d matured. For starters, physically, he’d gotten taller than Eric. They used to stand back to back to figure out who’s taller but now, Eli is clearly taller. A lot of people actually think he’s older too, because he does look older. It isn’t so much that he looks old; it’s more because Eric looks so young.

Back in Chiang Mai and when Eric had cancer, Eli was overlooked by a lot of people. Some people talked to him and related to him like he’s Eric. They didn’t really look that much alike but they’re similar enough that some well meaning people confused them for one another. Eli received a lot of encouragement meant for Eric. Sometimes, folks would know who he was but instead of relating to him, they’d inquire about Eric. I know the mistaken identity and that he wasn’t acknowledged for who he was, bothered him a bit. He eventually learned to deal with it and took it all in stride, choosing instead to understand and not make a fuss. It really helped that he had great respect for Eric and loved him so.

When we arrived here in Canada for Home Assignment, Eric left for college and Eli stepped up the plate as oldest brother in the house. He’d done well and had taken on more responsibilities. Thanks to the way the Lord had worked in his life, he’d become a gentleman. As I posted on his wall in Facebook on his birthday, he’s compassionate, generous, strong, manly, passionate, and tender hearted. He’d come out of Eric’s shadow, after all the comparisons and identity confusions, and is standing tall as his own person. He’s still very athletic and definitely particular about what he wears. He color coordinates his daily attire from head to foot and does an excellent job at it! He really has a great eye for color and what looks well together. He’s still fascinated with shoes and hopes to design them someday. Who knows? Maybe he will do just that! It remains to be seen what he’ll truly be. I do know whatever he does; will be done with a LOT of intensity and enthusiasm because that’s what he is, Mr. Energy. Keep on, Eli!

Thank you, Lord, for the way you’re molding and shaping Eli to be the man you want him to become. May He love you with all his mind, soul, and strength, and truly live according to your word. We praise you for him. Thanks for sharing him with us for 16 years already. We look forward to many, many, more years with him. You know he wants to be pure for you. With your help, he can do it, and with you at work in his life, he could only get better. Thank you!