A Letter to the Future Elric
Deal Elric,
I have known you since before your birth. As the pastor of your parent’s church I have watched you in every stage of your growth and development. I am writing this letter to the future you and when you read this I pray that you will know how loved you are, what good thoughts we have had about you, and that you have always been in our prayers.
Let me comment on the beautiful name with which you were endowed. Elric means “noble ruler” or “wise king.” There is history and meaning to your name and I hope that you learn about it and appreciate the fact that your parent named you with something special in mind. I love your name.
I also love to see you at church. When you enter the room it lights up with your presence. You are a bubbly bright eyed child with such a friendly air of wonder and explore. I love the way you come up to me and greet me, “Hello Pastor Martin.” You are the only child that comes up to me and greets me like that every time you come to church. You are not very intimidated by adults, and if you are your sense of adventure and desire to explore override it. You do the same with Mr. Dietzel. Mr. Dietzel is a big impressive man and it would be easy for a little kid to be intimidated by his size and strength of being, but not you. You walk right up to him, too, to collect your “high five.” Nice!
Your personality is a wonderful combination of your parents. Your dad is one of the smartest people I know. He is bright, intelligent, and his mind works quickly. Your mom exudes love and warmth. I love both of them. When I see you, I see them.
I am excited to watch the unfolding story of your life. All children are special, but there is just a touch of something very special about you.
I expect that you will experience some significant challenges in life. When you do I would like you to remember some things from your early childhood. Remember that we saw the strength and beauty of your character. Remember that you have not only the intelligence to deal with life’s challenges but that you have a grace about you, a strength, which will enable you to overcome well.
But life is more than overcoming challenges. Your gift mix, all those wonderful qualities that make you who you are, are not just for your personal benefit. Your life is a gift to the whole world. God has endowed you with light and empowered you to shine where you are. In a sense you are the ruler, the noble king of your immediate world. It has been entrusted to you for good and the well-being of those around you.
It would be an honor to sit with you on your thirtieth birthday and hear your stories. When you experience life and collect those stories always remember that you are surrounded by our love and our prayers.
I love you- Pastor Bryan Martin (Mark 12: 28-31)
