Lessons from being a dad.

I love being a Dad. Its a lot of fun, but its also the greatest challenge I have ever faced. To think Biblically about my role as Elijah and Cooper's father, means that I have an example. God is the Ultimate Father, and He set the standard. I once had a seminary professor, who challenged me to think of it in a new light. He said something like, "you being the father in the home, will be the clearest picture a young child can have of God." Wow, that's a heavy thought. I can remember growing up in a divorced home, and there would be months in which I didn't hear from my dad. I can truly remember talking about God in my home, yet He seemed so distant like my dad. I don't want my kids to ever go through that. I want to be there for my kids when they need me, and when they don't.
Over the last several weeks, Elijah, my big three year old, has not been sleeping well. He's had a cough and has just been a little restless, especially around 3am. Last week, Elijah came into my room around 3 and said, "daddy come to my bed." I was out of it, but somehow made it into Elijah's room and climbed into his bed. At first, I admit, this was the last place I wanted to be. I wanted to sleep, and Elijah was tired, but just couldn't get asleep. So, I'm laying there, thinking, hurry up kid... please go to sleep. About that time Elijah turned and looked me in the eye, he was obviously tired, his eyes were half closed, and in that moment where he was looking in my eyes he said four words that changed everything. Elijah whispered in a serious voice, "Dad, I love you." It melted my heart, there was no other place I wanted to be. I just wanted to be there and hold my son. It was such an incredible moment that just made me feel amazing. And as I sat there and held my son, my mind went back to the seminary professor, who said, I'd be the clearest picture my children will ever have of God, and instead of thinking, "man... I'm good," I was humbled. I was humbled, because I knew for the first time, what God feels when one of His children just stops and becomes still in his presence and says, "Father, I love You." And also, I knew it had been way to long since the last time, I just sat back and let God be Father, and tell him how much I truly loved Him.