As I think about Nathanael today, I am reminded of the many ways in which he is unique among his siblings.  With the possible exception of Ava, he is our quietest child.  It can be hard to know how he’s feeling about something, even when trying hard to get him to open up.  He is rarely a complainer and though he has come to express his preferences more often as of late, he still will often be happier to go along with the preferences of others than to introduce conflict.  However, when Nathanael does engage in conversation (rather than choosing a grunt as a response…which happens way too often) he gives insightful responses that regularly demonstrate a perspective and depth of thought I suspect are not common in fourteen year old boys.

He remains, as always, a voracious reader…and perhaps the most humorous demonstration of this is the way we often find him reading the promotional material and  nutritional information on any food packaging that might be at hand.  Even more interesting to me is the depth of processing that even such mundane reading is subjected to in Nathanael’s mind, such that he often informs us of things like errors in the calculations of calories for a food item, or thoughtful comparisons of ingredients of one food product with another.  Counter to his otherwise quiet nature, he will freely and happily share about all of the interesting factoids he has come across in his random reading throughout the day.  While he once dreaded long car-rides – anything longer than 20 minutes – he has come to relish the opportunity to hunker down and have long stretches of mostly uninterrupted book time.

In addition to reading, Nathanael has also become quite a fan of gardening.  While this interest has been in the works for several years, this summer has been the first time he has really acknowledged and embraced this interest (maybe gardening doesn’t seem like an acceptable pastime for a teenage boy?).  He researched and planned and planted his own small plot of corn, on which he is now so excited to see producing ears of corn.  Every day, he faithfully helps check for cucumbers and zucchini, and inspects the progress on our tomatoes.  He even happily volunteered to help…or really, spearhead, the process of making and canning pickles last week.  And unlike most of my other kids, he actually enjoys cucumbers even when they’re not in pickle form, and will happily devour a half of a large cucumber in one sitting.

Lest the quiet, book-devouring, garden-loving description give the impression that Nathanael is a gentle, fragile sort, I should also point out his affinity for tree-climbing that often requires me bite my tongue when I fear he is less than cautious.  And his tae-kwon-do abilities that showcase his natural agility and quick reactions.  Or his recent interest in ninja-warrior type challenges that have compelled him to start…swinging?…jumping, but with his arms?…from one tree branch to another, and to begin researching how to construct his own obstacles on which to practice. He also continues to take great interest in construction projects, and any task that requires him to take apart or demolish something.

Really, Nathanael is just a well-rounded kid who will take an interest in almost anything he can find to do.  He is a hard worker and is not afraid to tackle new challenges.  In our Bible study times, he asks tough questions, and diligently searches scripture for answers and explanations.  He finds logical connections that can tie seemingly unrelated ideas together.

And he still will sit close, and not shy away if I put my arm around him.  Not really the demand for “nuggles” he would make as a toddler, but I’ll take it.  I’m so thankful for this kid, and can’t say enough how special and how loved he is.  Fourteen years of Nathanael have been so much joy to my heart, I’m so glad we get to take a day to remind him what a gift he is.