Without a doubt, the greatest blessing in my life is, and always will be my children. No one has taught, challenged and motivated me more. Although they do not intend to, my children cause me to recognize my flaws on a daily basis. As odd as it sounds, this is a good thing.
I never dreamed that I would delight in the countless clichés my parents beat me over the head with regarding parenthood. There’s an inexplicable comfort that comes from finally realizing your parents actually knew what they were talking about. I see the things they told me manifesting in my own life.
Every aspect of my life has taken on new meaning since becoming a father almost six years ago. I wake each day wanting to be better, in every way, than the day before. I want to sacrifice so that my children won’t have to. I want to learn so I can teach. I want to love so they will know how. I also want to fight so they’ll know that there’s a time for that too. I want them to truly understand a father’s love and all it encompasses.
My children constantly give gifts they are unaware of. The most important of these is understanding of unconditional, reciprocal love. In the past, this concept was completely foreign to me. I did not understand how someone could love me regardless of my faults, how many times I have and will screw up or how bad. My children have given me the understanding of what a true father is. That understanding, in and of itself, has given my life definition. I have attained something I thought to be unattainable and filled a hole that seemed an abyss.
Because of my children, I understand God as my Father and my worth as His child. I understand love. I know that God and love are inseparable and that He is inseparable from me.
My greatest hope is that my children will one day know the gift they have given me, and know it because someone has given the same gift to them.
