Recently my wife and I found out we we’re expecting our first child. Yes, a baby! It’s a pretty surreal feeling, and I really don’t have the exact words to express how excited we are to embark on this journey called parenthood.
Can I brag on my wife for a minute? She is the most courageous, loving, caring, and God-fearing woman I have ever met. She’s going to be the most incredible mother.
When Juli first told me that she received a “faint-positive” on her $14.99 pee-stick, my heart leaped with joy. Although those tests are pretty darn accurate, the skeptic within me wanted to get official blood work done before I got too excited. The blood work came in shortly after. Yup, still pregnant. With that being said, I need you to understand that all this excitement doesn’t come with some fear.
My fears.
1. Will I be a good father?
2. Will I correctly lead them in the ways of the Lord.?
3. Will he/she be born healthy?
4. Will he/she love me?
5. Will he/she love Jesus?
6. Will he/she enjoy spending time with us?
7. Will he/she ever get bullied?
8. Will he/she ever rebel?
9. Will he/she be a good student?
10. etc.
I have fear about becoming a father because I want to be a great father, not just a good one. These fears are healthy, and they will fuel my yearning to become the greatest dad I can be. I want one of those #1 dad mugs for Christmas. I want to earn it.
What I look forward to.
1. Becoming a father.
2. Telling them about Jesus.
3. Praying with them.
4. Planning birthday parties.
5. Attending their sporting events.
6. Comforting them in times of need.
7. Picking out their first car.
8. Family vacations.
9. Reading to them.
10. etc.
All of these things may seem silly, but I’d be lying to you if I told you they haven’t been swarming my head lately. Juli and I yearn to be the best parents we can be, and I know that only in seeking Jesus will this be able to happen. Parenthood is going to be hard, but I know that with Christ at our foundation, Juli and I will be able to conquer anything that comes our way. Here’s to parenthood.
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
