Lessons Learned

I've had my child in the world now a whole month, and there are some really cool things about being a dad. I know that this list is not exhaustive in any way. I also know that there are great things yet to come, but I thought I would share


THE TOP 10 COOLEST THINGS ABOUT BEING A DAD:

10. Being able to talk about poop and pee and farts in public places without being considered rude. This is a privilege only parents have.

9. Sometimes, when I'm holding Jacob, I look at his little face and can't help but laugh. He makes the funniest little faces. See:

8. A very cool thing has been watching Lesley with him. She used to get freaked out at the thought of poop and vomit. I actually watched him pee on her when she was bathing him. I guess the warm water relaxed him enough to erupt. She reached down with her hand and blocked the natural spring from getting all over the floor. She is amazing.

7. Watching his development, from a grey blob on an ultrasound to a miniature me with Lesley's eyes. Modern medicine is amazing.

6. Not being able to get a darn thing done. This is only my 4th in the countdown, but I've already had to get up and move away from this blog 6 times. And I'm about to take another break to feed him. Now, one could either get really annoyed by this, or one can decide that it is actually pretty cool just to be there for him. I've decided that it is actually pretty cool.


5. 3 words: Homer. Simpson. Slippers. Every dad wants 'em; every dad needs 'em.

4. The goodness of people is a very cool thing. It's something I've always known, but ever since Jacob came along, people have been acting like saints to Lesley and me. People are so good.

3. Getting the very best Christmas present this year than I have ever gotten in my life:

2. Staying up all night with a cranky baby. You know what: people might not think this is so cool, but the alternative is that Jacob is not here. It is very cool that he is here, even if he is cranky all night. I'd rather have him cranky than not have him at all.

1. The number one coolest thing about being a dad after just one month of experience: The profound sense of gratitude that swells up inside of me every time I look at him and Lesley. I have so much to be thankful for. I don't deserve anything. I have not earned the love that God has shown me. I am unworthy of the trust that he has placed in me, asking me to steward this little family. But here I am, challenged to live out a deeper integrity than I have ever lived before, and grateful for every second of my life, every friend, every kind word and generous act, and grateful for the life that I have been given. I wake up every morning grateful for the new grace that awaits me. I wake up every morning grateful.

So, there they are, the 10 coolest things about being a dad so far. One of the coolest things that should be on this list probably is the great gift of friendship that so many have offered. Thank you, my friends.

Thank you.