Men

These are old photos, but I just wanted to post them. I am so grateful for M'honey. I don't like getting too sappy, but we are a good team. He tries hard to connect with each of our kiddos and helps me when I'm worn out. Yesterday I was reading an article on "Being an Influential Father" (thinking it would apply to mom's too) and it listed things a great dad should strive to do: "These include living a gospel-centered life, showing appropriate affection, disciplining with love, listening effectively, spending one-on-one time together, and seeking creative ways to participate in a child’s life." Hmmm . . . Our kids are lucky to have a dad who fits that description already! We have some good friends who stayed with us overnight one time (when we only had four bundles of energy). They told us that they had decided not to have children because they were too selfish. (Their words.) The wife explained that she didn't want to change her life in order to raise a child. Another couple we know chose not to have children because they felt that the world was too harsh, unwholesome, and generally scary for raising children. I can relate to both of these couples. I am a selfish being, too. Naturally wishing there weren't sooo many gooey fingers touching me and whiny mouths to feed. I'm always looking for a route back to the professional life. The reality knocks the "selfish" right out of me, actually. There's no time to think about it and pull back, just do it--just love them. It makes me a better person. Also, the world is pretty harsh and generally scary sometimes, but a loving home is the perfect antidote; a wholesome child is the perfect cure.