On being a father; my first father's day. If you can call it that. Last year at this time Em was 8 months pregnant and I was the father of a large basketball. Sir O is 11 months old today. What a change the past year has been for us as a couple and our little family. It has definitely been an adjustment going from caring only about yourself, to caring for someone else (who can still get along by themselves), to caring for someone who would not eat if we didn't feed him, or would not be dressed if we didn't dress him. It definitely takes the "me, myself, what "I" want" out of the equation. The new rule of arithmetic is "we, ourselves, and him." Does it make my life any busier? I know of some who would say it would be difficult to have a child because of monetary reasons, because they didn't feel they could invest enough time to be a good parent, or because they just didn't want the extra responsibility. In my infinite well of wisdom (nearly 30 years worth), I might have had some of those excuses once or more than once, but regardless our little boy is here and my fear has dissipated. I still fear sometimes what the future world will be like for Sir O, but I know if I do my best at being a good dad, and teach him how to rely on our Heavenly Father, God will take care of the rest.
I once asked a very wise leader I had growing up, (when he got released from a very demanding church calling), what he was going to do now with all of that extra time that he put into his calling. He said, "You know, it's like sticking your finger in a cup of water,when you're released, you move your finger and the water just rushes in to fill the void." What I got out of that is there is always a set number of hours in the day, and when you finish with something so demanding of your time, something else will fill it's place. Being a father is similar. I never thought I would have enough time to do graduate school and still be a good father, but I stuck my finger in anyway, and the water has just readjusted around it.
I really love being a father, (especially if you have a son like Sir O), and hope Sir O knows it.
Happy Father's Day to all of you.
4 comments:
Happy Father's Day, Renn. Thanks for the thoughtful post- it's nice to hear your voice, too- especially when feel I know Em so well. They are blessed to have you.
Mr. Renn, it's funny, I've only met you once (a long time ago before you and Em even got married) but what you posted was exactly what I needed to hear. It made me think, and it hit home just when I needed it. Thanks! You have a beautiful family!
Happy Belated Father's Day, Mr. Renn!
(I can't believe you're almost 30 years old!!!!!) That made me stop dead in my tracks when you said that, I really have a hard time comprehending your age!!!
Sorry, if I'm making you feel old. It was just kind of a paradigm shift for me, to think that I am now approaching the 30 year old age. (ok, I'm still under 25).
I loved your post. Thanks for helping us all understand how parenthood just kind of happens. No matter how busy you are, you will have time for it.
bravo, father renn. bravo.
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