7 Things About Being A Dad That Make Me Smile

Just a few days into being a father a three boys, I find myself very observant.

Me and my Boys

The boys are absolutely beautiful.  Each is very different in unthought of ways.  They all make me laugh and tear up at the wonder that they are.

There are so many confusing, bewildering, crazy things about this adventure of life that Jesus calls us to.  Much of it is designed to break our prideful hearts and bring us back to a place of trusting in God.  If we slow down, we’ll see that there are lots of nuggets in life that are meant to make us smile… or cry happy tears.  I’d like to share some of those nuggets I’ve seen over the last several days.

Here are five purely perfect things about raising boys that are good any way you look at it.  The things on this list make my eyes light up, no matter how gray the day may be.

1.  Holding a newborn on your chest.

2.  Taking a nap with your toddlers.

3.  Watching your kids giggle uncontrollably on a trampoline.

4.  Realizing that your 2-year old shadow wants nothing more than to be near you.

5.  Listening to your 4-year old talk about his karate skills in his sleep.

6.  Watching your son being born.

7.  Watching your wife give birth.

So here’s a question for you readers out there:  What would make your happy things list?  What are the things that make you smile no matter where you’re at in life?  Is it people, or a person?  Is it a song, or a mountain view?  Is it chocolate?

Remember that God created good things for us to enjoy.  They remind us that God is a good God.  He is a loving father.  He not only wants us to trust him in tough situations, but he wants us to smile and laugh and enjoy the good things he has made for us.

Take a minute and thank him for the good stuff.

Loading Up My Quiver On the Tea Cup Ride

We’re about to shift from man-to-man defense to zone.

According to my brother-in-law (and father of of 3), that’s that way it works.  Other dads of three say the same thing… along with more gray hair, or increasing lack of hair or, or complaints about their membership fees to Starbucks anonymous (caffeine is one of God’s more wonderful gifts to mankind).

There’s still tons to get done… putting together bunk beds and convincing both older boys that they want to share a room now… getting the garden totally planted… writing grants for our local school… curing cancer.  Somehow it will all get done (I hope).  Having three little arrows in my quiver will be awesome.

In about 6 hours I’m leaving on a 4 day rafting and rock climbing trip with our teens from church.  Three nights in tents with no showers.  Hoo boy!  To top it all off, I went on a grueling/exhilerating/insane mountain bike last night with a buddy (so I’m really tired right now) and only got about three hours of sleep last night  (so I’m really tired right now) which is common for me before big trips like this.  Oh yeah, I have to go preach in a couple of hours from now.

Amidst all this chaos, I keep reminding myself of the counsel I’ve been giving several friends and community members over the last several weeks:  God is in complete control and everything that happens is part of His plan to mold us into who He wants us to be.

Good to remember during the Tea Cup Ride known as life.