I have to say that I struggle with parenthood. Being a father of three I have learned a good deal. I learned more about myself than about any of my kids. I have been where they are, I’ve lived through the years they are experiencing, but I had never been a father, so the learning curve was greater.
I learned that the older I get the less frazzled I become. Maybe they have worn me down. I have learned that the things that embarrassed or frustrated me don’t seem to matter any longer. I have learned that the longer I know them, I love them greater. I have learned what my parents withstood raising me and six other siblings.
I was shocked that my first child didn’t come with instructions. The day I drove her and my bride home from the hospital was a day I’ll never forget. I was so scared that I would hit a bump or another car and damage her. I was a nervous wreck for a long time. I love my wife dearly, but I remember not wanting to leave for work because I wasn’t sure one adult could handle the task of child rearing.
I suppose the greatest thing of all that I learned as a new daddy is that my Heavenly Father knew what I was going through. I have learned over the years to take His perspective of my children and transpose His heart for His children onto my kids. The sad news is that it has taken many years to begin to see results of my efforts. The two girls are off at college now and my son is racing toward his high school diploma. Just over two years and I can sit back and truly wonder where time went.
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