Blessed By Children

Lots of couples stress when preparing for their first child. We did. While we wanted children, we had also enjoyed five great years of just the two of us. What’s it going to be like when we lose our freedom? Will we ever be able to be just us again? What if our kids wreck our relationship some how? These questions and more faded quickly the night Dakota came into the world. It did not matter anymore what we might lose, because it would pale in comparison to what we would gain.

Two more kids and ten years later, I wouldn’t change my life for the world. (In case my kids read this, no, not for the galaxy or universe either!). My life has been radically changed for the better and so blessed by the gift of my children. They make me a better person and remind me daily of the true wonder that life really is… (yes, I wrote that sappy line that should only be found in spoof of some old family TV series or romance novel). They really do. My kids find humor and awe in the simplest activities. They ask the greatest questions and challenge me to rethink my static, reality-stained, narrow ways of looking at life.

My kids also understand my health struggles and offer me patience and grace on a regular basis. They do not mope or stress when my inabilities show. Instead they actually work to find viable solutions that adapt the situation and make it possible for me to participate. I have never, ever heard my children whine about my limitations.

Maybe more than all that, they regularly inspect my life and give me the accountability I need to stay on the straight and narrow. Josh McDowell once said, “You can fool a fool and you can con a con but you can’t kid a kid.”
Man that is so true! My kids can see right through my efforts of trying to look perfect. They know when I have messed up. And the best part is, they are fast to forgive. My kids want me to be successful as a dad and are eager to help me out. They dole out mercy faster than me and for that I am grateful and in awe.

Dakota has such a fast mind and is so sensitive to others around him. He is brilliantly strategic and can figure out how to win almost any game or scenario. He loves people and is kind and caring to adults and children alike. The thought of hurting another human being or creature is devastating to him and he is quick to apologize and make things right with others.

Kadin is amazingly creative and thoughtful. His art teacher told us to save a ton of money because he will be going to an expensive school for art. He creates solutions to anything he puts his mind to. He thinks about where others are at and what they’re thinking. He always has ideas of how he or we can help others. He works hard at whatever he does and tries to get it perfect.

Kasey is wonderfully expressive and a complete joy to have in your presence. She is so easy-going and energetic, all in the same sports princess package. She loves to sing, real songs and ones she makes up. She has a gift when it comes to sports and she sees the world as a giant social network waiting to be tamed with her smile, dance, song and story. She loves and loves and loves all in her sphere of influence, no exceptions.

Thanks Kasey, Kadin and Dakota for making me what I am today. The last ten years of my life have been infinitely incredible and I can’t wait for more. You make my life a blessed one!

(Thanks also to Karen for giving me the greatest kids on the planet…and in the galaxy and universe.)