This video was recently shared with me. I've watched it probably close to a dozen times the last few days and each time I watch it I feel like I learn a new insight. The overwhelming feeling I get each time I watch it is that I'm so thankful to be a dad. Right now is such a special time of life. My children's ages are 7, 5, and 3. They are filled with a pure innocence. When I get home from work I love to watch them interact with each other. They have their own little world that they live in. They could care less whether the stock market went up that day or if the Braves will win the World Series this year. Their priorities are my priorities.
There is nothing I wouldn't do for them. I believe most parents feel the same for their kids. Yet despite our willingness to run through a wall for our children, most of the time all they want from us is to spend time with them reading a book or telling a story about when we were a kid. I constantly have to remind myself of this.
I have such peace knowing that while I'm away in the grown up world working as a CFP, my beautiful wife and mother to our children is home tending to their needs. I feel so blessed that the woman my children call "mom" is Andrea. I have such confidence and trust that our little ones are getting all the love and attention that they need and deserve with Andrea as our caretaker.
Each Monday night we reserve that evening for a night together as a family. We call it "Family Night". Usually family night is started formally with Brynlee or Andrea playing a song on the piano that we sing along to and then we have a prayer. After the prayer we say our family mission statement together.
"We are a family that loves each other. We protect each other. We work hard on our responsibilities. We play together. We pray together and ultimately we strive to follow the Saviors example in all that we do."
This last family night was a little bit different. Rather than stick to the formal stuff, we played. I was attacked by all 3 kids and Andrea in an attempt to wrestle and pin dad. Luckily they are still to little to pull this off but I know that my time isn't too far down the road. Then I started chasing them all throughout the house trying to catch them. They would always end up hiding in the pantry so I would patiently wait by the kitchen table for them to gain enough confidence to try and sneak away. As soon as they would come around the table I would jump out and scare them. Brynlee and Nash caught on after a time or two but Ridge (my 3 year old) was as surprised as the first time to see dad jump out and scare them. It was among the most fun I've had in years.
Similarly to the way I feel about my children, I know there is a loving Heavenly Father who cares even more deeply for me as his son. We are all his children. He loves each and every one of us as his children. I know I comprehend the things of creation and eternity about as much as my children understand world economics. This does not matter though. What is most important for us to know is that we are loved and that our needs will always be met. We will all fall down and skin our knees at times but He will always be there to pick us back up, brush us off and get us back on our way. For this I am and will always be thankful.
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