Approximately 2 years ago right now I was pregnant. Very pregnant. The day the ultrasound revealed we were having
a boy (we already have 2 girls) after the little celebration in my heart, I immediately started dreaming about what his name would be. It didn't take me long to pick my name, the name I felt like my son was destined to have. His name would be Andrew Reese, (middle name after his Papa Peter, first name just cause I like it) and we would call him Drew. I was set on it. Then, Jason told me he wanted to name him Jason Jr. I couldn't believe it. I had so many misconceptions about "Juniors." I didn't want to name him that! I fought it and fought it. I loved the name I picked out, and I didn't want my little boy running around being called Junior! I wanted him to have his own identity, and his own name.
A couple of months later, with no prompting whatsoever, Madelyn starting bringing home a paper daily from school that she had drawn in "choice time" of her and her little brother, J.J. Seriously?? I couldn't believe it, but I kept the hope alive for my choice, Andrew Reese.
Then, one day I was laying down trying to nap, and I was praying about this whole name situation. I'm not sure exactly what I prayed that day, but I know I was confident that God would change Jason's mind and we would settle on my name of choice. However, that's not what happened. I laid my head back, closed my eyes, and God gave me a very vivid picture. I saw Jason walking, and behind him, a little boy that looked very much like him. He wasn't walking hand in hand, but behind him, copying Jason's every move. God whispered to me in that moment, "Aimee, this baby boy is going to adore his father. Don't you think he would love having his name?" Ugh! I knew in that moment, I had to lay my desires aside and choose the name my husband wanted for his son.
So, fast forward 2 years. We have a 22 month old son named Jason Jr. It hit me like a ton of bricks a few nights ago as I saw JJ copying Jason's every move that the picture I had seen 2 years ago was unfolding before my very eyes. Daddy was pretty close to JJ's first word. He looks just like him, and his personality is pretty much identical. He beats on everything like it is a drum, and loves music more than any other child I have ever seen. Every Sunday when Jason is on Worship Team, JJ runs upstairs and wants to go in the Worship Center and listen, and catch a glimpse of Daddy. No other name would have done him justice. I'm thankful for that picture that God gave me 2 years ago, and thankful that I surrendered my will even though it was hard. As for Andrew Reese....well, I'm sure it made a fine name for some other little boy.
Amiee this is a great post! My little girl, Mary, was in class with JJ 6 months ago or so. She started calling every little boy she saw, J.J. I thought it was so cute. She liked that name too:)
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