Day 731: Return of the Jedi

Return: (Transitive Verb) To go back in thought, practice, or condition.

Today is Jackson’s 2nd birthday. Wow. Just, wow. Trying to even think back to what he was like when he was born seems crazy. He has grown so much. And yet, it doesn’t seem possible that it’s already been two years.

I can hardly think about what life was like with out him around. And yet, it seems like it was jus yesterday that we were bringing him home with us.

So much has happened. And still it seems like just the blink of an eye.

He’s already two. Two years old. He’s not a baby anymore. He’s not even really a toddler anymore. He’s a kid. He’s a two year old kid.

And boy does he have personality 🙂

A lot had happened since my last post. And I won’t do anything crazy like promising to catch you up on it soon. I’ll do my best to catch you up on some of the important things in the next couple days, but we all know my track record.

For now I just want to reflect a little on how amazing life has been in the last two years. I have learned a lot about what it means to be a father. I have learned that I am not as good at being patient as I used to think I was. It’s interesting how God humbles us like that. And yet, it’s not in a vindictive sort of way. He simply has a way of showing us we aren’t perfect, and that’s why we need Him.

It’s interesting to watch Jackson as he grows. He wants to be able to do more and more things himself, but he still isn’t quite able to. And you can see that struggle in him. He knows that if he asks for help, he’ll get it. And then he’ll get what he wants. But, what he really wants is to do it himself. And so he will struggle, often times in vain. And the. Get upset. It’s those times where I gladly will step in and help him, even though he didn’t ask, and explain that if he had just let me help from the beginning, he wouldn’t be so frustrated.

Wow…. I mean, seriously. Does that sound familiar? Did I just describe your walk with God. I sure just described mine. These parenting sermons practically write themselves 🙂

Other times, I won’t help him. Not because I’m mean and want to see him upset, but because I know he can do it… So I will let him struggle. It’s not easy. I don’t like seeing him upset and frustrated (and sometimes hurt because he thinks I’ve abandoned him). But when he finally does succeed… The look on his face. That accomplished look. That’s worth it all.

Do I even need to point it out? Can you see the connection I’m making???

Yeah. I’d learned a lot about what it means to be a father. And that had given me a lot of new perspectives for my Heavenly Father. It’s really quite a cool experience.

So anyway. Jackson’s two now. The last two years have been full of milestones and a lot has happened. A lot has changed since his last birthday. And I’m sure a lot will change again before his next one. Both with him, and the family.

For one thing, he won’t be the only one around at his next birthday. That right there is going to change the whole ball game. But I’m ready for it. Maybe not ready, ready. I sure don’t have everything figured out yet. But I’m ready to tackle the challenge.

Besides, I know who to go to if I’m struggling. And if I don’t get the help I’m expecting, well, I know the reason for that too.

Thank you for reading.

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