Less Me - More Wii

For the past several nights, Alex and Kaitlin, our two youngest kids, have challenged their Dad to competitions of bowling, tennis and golf. I'm not a real gamer, I've never had "game", but spending time with the kids really rocks! It's great to let the cell go to voicemail and remind Alex and Kaitlin, by my actions, that they are my 3rd priority following God and my hazel-eyed and blond-haired beauty-Robin. Of course, I love spending time with the twins as well, but they have discovered more interesting pursuits... ;)

I love this husband/father thing!

Oh yeah, Wii boxing is quite a workout! I may even trade in my "Round IS a shape" mantra for something sleeker!

How's Your Aim? - Our Greatest Responsibility and Ministry

Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth.

Ps 127:3-4 NIV

Saturday night, we went to a friend's (yes we have friends) birthday party at a banquet hall. Being in a public facility, when the need arose, I took our son, Alex, to the restroom. As we walked, I said something silly to which he responded back with silliness far surpassing anything I could come up with.

I do not recall how the subject came up, but in between the silliness, I told him that two of my favorite things in life were being a husband to his mother and being his father. He looked at me and asked, "Even more than being a rock star?" I have no idea where that came from.

When we returned to our home that evening, I heard Alex telling my wife, Robin, what I had said. I think that he felt even more loved and secure by that simple statement made from a man who still has more questions than answers.

Yesterday, during our morning church service, we had a baby dedication. I used the above verse on the picture we projected during the dedication. As I was preparing that picture, I realized that if children are like arrows, than I, as their father, have the responsibility of aiming our children toward God and his will for their young lives. If I aim them at Christ, chances are they will become godly young men and a godly young lady. However, if I aim them at anything else...

There are three things that I want our children to always know and remember about their father. That I love God, I love their mother and that I love them! You see what I'm aiming them at? I want them to grow up and exhibit those same qualities to God, their spouse and their children.

How's your aim?

Adapted from the MONDAY MARRIAGE MINDER free e-letter. To subscribe send an email to revdkidd@gmail.com with Subscribe MMM in the subject line.

Life In The Passenger Seat

Justin and Brandon are 15 1/2 and have had their learners permits for over a month. They have been doing quite well, in the parking lots at their school and at the church. Yesterday, I pulled a surprise on Justin - I let him drive half of the way to church. He did awesome, well, there was that one left turn without much braking...

Tonight, I let Brandon drive to the store and back. He did fine as well. I'm excited that they're growing and experiencing new things. Beyond the practical-everyday stuff, they are becoming great men of God. That's what is exciting me the most, as that is what's most important.

A Walk

Today my family and I went to our family reunion. While there, our daughter Kaitlin (7) and I went for a walk on the trails. As we started toward the trail, Kaitlin immediately grabbed my hand in hers. At one point, she ran ahead of me, all-the-while looking back to see if I was giving chase (I was). She wouldn't get to far ahead before she would turn around and run back to me with open arms, wanting a hug. The question that kept running through my mind was, "What have I done to deserve this blessing?"

On our way back to the park, we talked as we walked along, I told her that even when she grows up and is married, she will ALWAYS be my little girl. My "sweetie girl". With that, I was awarded several more hugs!

How often do we take the time to walk and talk with our heavenly Father? Many times we are tempted to run ahead, and even when we do, Jesus always give chase. At any time, we can run to His arms. The real joy is found when we choose to walk with Him, staying by His side. It is then that He speaks and sings over us.