My Uncle Edward had a wonderfully affirming statement each of us heard on our birthdays: “God was good to us on…. “ and he filled in the birth date. My morning Facebook comment to Nelson today continued that tradition: “God was good to us on January 26, 1973.” That’s when our firstborn came into the world, ushering Nate and I into parenthood and changing everything. Nelson turned 37 today in Honolulu, Hawaii, where he’s rehabbing a high-end condo with a friend. I text him pictures of icicles. He texts me pictures of palm trees.
This baby arrived weighing 10 pounds and suffering the intense pain of colic. Our entrance into parenting was accompanied by round-the-clock screaming and a newborn who grew skinnier each week for ten in a row. We were beside ourselves with worry until the morning he suddenly awoke smiling. The colic and crying were gone, and life with baby Nelson became a delight.
By the time he was three, his vocabulary was extensive and his thoughts deep. He said, “Why do I have to put the toilet seat down when half the people are boys? You should tell the girls to put it up when they’re done.” Nelson has always had a good “thinker”.
In recent weeks when Nate was sick, the father-son roles reversed and it was Nelson’s turn to tend to Nate round-the-clock, which he willingly did. Since then, he and I have had many a fireside chat, round-tabling the harsher realities of life (and death). His deep roots in Scripture have kept us on truth’s track, and I’ve learned much from this son.
As a teen Nelson gave Nate and me a run for the money. Firstborns have a difficult assignment, being at the head of the pack, having to break all the new ground. It’s a burden to be defined as the good example for those following, not to mention the problem of having parents who don’t know what they’re doing.
Although Nelson and his father weren’t cut from the same cloth, they listened carefully to each other and grew to appreciate their differences. When Nelson was acting out in high school and continued with some bad choices for a time after that, I often grew frustrated and wanted to lash out in verbal judgment. Nate inevitably calmed me with “wait a minute” and became the father of second chances. Eventually Nelson surpassed our best expectations.
He has traveled the world, much of it in conjunction with Youth With A Mission, first as a student and later as a leader. He has friends everywhere and keeps current with each one, managing to be on hand for milestone events in many of their lives.
Last summer he felt it was important to sell his landscaping company in Tennessee, a business he’d pursued with vigor for 15 years. At the time, he said he felt like the biblical Abraham who was told to leave the familiar for the unknown. Nelson sensed it was God pushing him, so he moved forward in faith, knowing the reason for leaving landscaping would become clear in God’s time.
Within two weeks a buyer had stepped forward and the business was sold. After Nate and I learned of his pancreatic cancer, Nelson was the first one to walk through our door in Michigan, unencumbered by September’s busy landscaping season and free to be with us for the duration.
One of Nelson’s many talents is enabling others to use their gifts. He’s a pro at delegating responsibilities and releasing control so others can shine. He can also fix what’s broken, build up what’s broken down and minister to broken hearts.
His top priorities are to know more of God and his Word, to obey what he learns there and to be available to others. In Nate’s last days, he referred to Nelson as “a son with sterling character,” which is exactly what happens when someone strives to live like Christ. No parent could want more.
And once in a while I still find the toilet seat up, which proves he’s still promoting his equal opportunity program with consistency.
“Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.” (Psalm 91:14-16)
one of the advantages of being here in Hawaii is the blog comes in around 7pm, so get to be the first to read it. how flattering. i actually have been trying to get better at the toilet seat thing. one of God’s greatest gifts is the relationships we have, with our nuclear family and with our family in Chirst. i am blessed beyond measure like that. but…having a Mother who will sit down and chat about the Word almost to the post of it being too long; if that were possible, is a gift that is beyond value. thanks for all the patience and help(endless listening and moral support) over the years and even this day. i heard a quore apparently by Martin Luther recently and i absolutely love it. it’s something to the effect of, “there are only two days on my calender, this day and that day.” i love you Mom.
Happy Birthday, Nelson. You don’t know me but your mom told me once that Hans really learned a lot from you and looked up to you. Hans has meant a lot to my son, Kenzo. I thank God for the “chain reaction” your family has been a part of. It has touched my family in a very special way.
Happy Birthday, Nelson! What a blessing you have been to your family and especially now to your mother. “The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice, and he who begets a wise child will delight in him. Let your father and your mother be glad, and let her who bore you rejoice.” Prov. 23:24, 25
“My son, keep your father’s command, and do not forsake the law of your mother. Bind them continually upon your heart; tie them around your neck. When you roam, they will lead you; when you sleep, they will keep you; and when you awake, they will speak with you.” Prov. 6:20-22
Margaret, you have raised a handsome, intelligent, gifted and God-fearing son. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Awesome Blog Mrs. Nyman!
I’m so blessed to have Nelson here.
I’m always encouraged by your faith and sharing.
Hope to meet you in person one day.
I love this one Midge 🙂 I know that even though Nashville was a tough time, I wouldn’t take it back. Nelson and I had so many late night chats standing in our little kitchen. He encouraged me and was there for me during all of that heartbreak, always pointing me towards God with stories about his own experiences and his own faith. I learned SO much from him and continue to do so. He is a HUGE blessing in my life and I look up to him more than he knows. Thanks for writing this one! I know he already read this but. . .I LOVE YOU NELSON 🙂
Happy Birthday Nelson!
I don’t know what Hawaii has in January that the midwest can’t offer! 🙂
I only “know” you through your mom’s blog, and her comments today only affirm with greater strength the sentiments of other commenters, friends and family alike. You are quite the example of being available to be a blessing and help no matter what the situation. Handsome on the outside, a man after God’s heart on the inside.
Your toilet philosophy will have me laughing all day. Your Martin Luther comment is arresting- you already seem to live it, and I would love to be more like that.
“Thank You for Nelson, Lord, for the way he ministers to his family and friends, for his heart to serve without calling attention to himself. Continue to grow him in wisdom and stature and favor with God and man. Direct him in this day and every day as he keeps his eye on that day. Amen.”
With affection for someone I’ve never even met,
Terry
Happy Birthday, Nelson. We just had a granddaughter born on your 37th birthday. My prayer is that she grow up to be a “person” after God’s own heart, like you. Thank you for your great example to so many.
Happy Birthday, Nelson. The Lord is guiding you every step of the way. I love that you want to know more of Him, so you can be available to others.
Happy Birthday Nelson. I remember meeting you at 3 weeks old in the midst of the crying. You were quite a hand full, and have become a man after God’s own heart. Thank you for your servant’s attitude toward your family and others. God has had His hand on you from the beginning and I know thee had to be some days that your guardian angels were glad when you finally fell into bed.:)
Happy Birthday Nellie, Neldo, Big Red! You are loved much. You are a great example of how to live a Holy Spirit led life. Many, many blessings to you today.
My favorite quote from you is, “Hang on, Mr. Plant!” Do you remember that?
Speaking of quotes, one from Reggie: “Lift the lid!” Ask your mom about that! Smoochies!
“Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them.” Psalm 111:2
God is doing a great and wonderful work in and through you, Nelson. As I ponder this today I am delighted and overwhelmed with gratitude to the Lord, for you. I’ve loved you since we knew you were on the way and will love you forever. Happy, happy birthday dear Nelson Hamilton. You are a blessing!
Happy birthday Nelson! You have been blessed with such a wonderful, loving Christian family. I haven’t seen you in many years, but you and your family are always in my prayers. You have always been a great friend. I admire your choice to follow your heart and your faith in Hawaii. I know you will accomplish great things. P.S. I agree with you on the toilet seat issue, but I am greatly outnumbered at home.