LETTERS TO MY SON

"MOM DID YOU PRAY"

Dear Gavin,

There is something about you that has always amazed me, something I pray you never lose.

Long before you could understand the weight of life's responsibilities, you understood the power of prayer.

Every school morning, before you stepped out of the house, you would stop and say, "Mom, pray for me."

It was never just a routine to you. You believed that before you faced your teachers, your books, your friends, or your exams, you needed God's hand upon your life.

So I would place my hand on your head and pray. I would ask God to protect you, give you wisdom, surround you with favor, and bring you safely back home. You would smile, say "Amen," and leave with so much confidence, knowing you had already spoken to your Heavenly Father through your mother.

But, my son, you didn't stop there.

You became my little reminder to stay close to God.

Every morning before I opened my business, you would ask, "Mom, did you pray before opening?"

At the end of the day, before I closed the shop, you would ask again, "Mom, did you pray before closing?"

And on the days when customers were few and business felt slow, you never rushed to blame bad luck or circumstances. Instead, with the innocence only a child possesses, you would quietly ask,

"Mom... did you pray today?"

Those simple words carried so much wisdom.

You probably never realized it, but many times you preached to me without standing behind a pulpit. You reminded me that our first response should never be worry—it should be prayer.

You taught me that success doesn't begin when the first customer walks through the door. It begins when we invite God into everything we do.

My son, thank you for being God's gentle voice in my life.

There were days when I felt tired, discouraged, or overwhelmed, and your simple question brought me back to where I needed to be. You reminded me that no day is too busy for prayer and no problem is too small to place before God.

As you grow older, my prayer is that you never lose this childlike faith. The world may try to convince you that success comes only through hard work, connections, or talent. Those things matter, but never forget the greatest foundation of all: a life that begins and ends with God.

Keep asking God to guide your steps before you leave your house.

Keep thanking Him when you return safely.

Keep praying before you begin your work.

Keep praying when your plans don't seem to be working.

And if life ever becomes heavy, remember the words you once asked your mother:

"Did you pray today?"

Those words have stayed with me, and I hope they stay with you for the rest of your life.

Thank you for reminding me that faith is not measured by age. Sometimes God chooses the smallest voices to speak the greatest truths.

I love you more than these pages could ever express, and every time I pray, I thank God for the precious gift of being your mother.

With all my love,

Mom