a toast for toast

You found it amazing when I embraced you in your vulnerability.

It was God, yes. But remember-

long before I accepted your all

you welcomed my silly putty self.

You- spilling over with opinions and passions and interests;

with connections, friends, and street smarts.

Me- with shreds of identity leftover from life experiences;

superglued together with a matte layer of sarcasm.

You're a critic. You've got a Nick shaped filter

and I've no clue how I slipped through-

and through- and through-

I'd been waiting to slide down some side-shoot

to leave room for someone better.

You like to keep company with the best.

But you find the most unique bests-

you're a true scout. Especially when you decided on God's company.

You're one of my best friends.

You've got talent and vision and an eye for potential:

something you saw in me.

Encourager. Accepter. Giver. Laugher.

I hope living the life of an artist

focuses your God's-eye vision of the world. Of you. Of others.

Happy 21st birthday. Make good choices, keep good company, laugh good laughs. Here's to a blessed 21 years, and here's hoping God gives you 21 more.