The more comfortable I become in my role as a father, I begin to see the definitive nature of the Heavenly Father. My infant son depends on his mother and me for all basic needs. If he needs changing, feeding or comforting, he is becoming more knowledgeable that his cry for assistance will send us to his aid. But as his father, I’m learning that his dependence on me specifically yields many reactions and characteristics that will shape his life for years to come.

My son knows very few words, but “Da Da” was his very first one. When he is particularly upset, he calls out for me. When he is very happy, he calls out for me. When I leave the room, he whimpers until I return. When I speak, he quiets and looks directly at me. He studies every move I make intently.

And this isn’t to liken myself to the Lord, but studying my son has given me a new appreciation on how to acknowledge and worship Him.

Scripture tells the believing Christian that a true person of faith likens himself to an infant, and the wisdom behind these words reveal themselves to me everyday. When I am troubled, I pray. When I am full of joy, I praise. When I do not feel the presence of God near me, I ask where He has gone, and what I’ve done to make Him leave.

And to live my life in a way that is pleasing to Him, I study His word and reflect on His miracles.

If you take nothing else from your role as a parent to a child, know that God’s infinite wisdom has revealed to you the true nature of faith and spiritual dependence. You have been afforded the precious opportunity to learn what it means to care for, and to be cared for. Innocence is the true measure of faith.

H/T – Pastor Mark Gungor, whom I recently discovered on Twitter. Follow him. He’s got some good resources on love and marriage.

Sometimes she is too tired to talk. Sometimes she is full of energy. And sometimes she is sad because she can’t determine which way she’ll feel from day to day. But she pushes through, sometimes I am the emotional victim of the wrath, but far more times than not, we laugh and joke about our wonderful life together.

And it is interesting, because it makes me realize just how much of the Lord is in her, and every pregnant woman that endures such an arduous process for the biggest miracle in life.

It has to be something divine, because there’s no reasonable explanation that someone would want to suffer to bring about another life. Men aren’t wired like that. Ask us to go hungry for our family, no problem. We can get by on a little. Ask us to give up the things we enjoy for the sake of others, and while me may cry and complain, most men will comply eventually.

But if you asked me to suffer for nine months with allergies, only to culminate in several consecutive hours of sneezing and burning eyes, I would actually stop for a minute to assess that deal. Yet women don’t hesitate to sign-up for this period of suffering and discomfort. In fact, they relish it.

They relish having a little girl to teach the ways of being a woman – caring, wise and sensitive. They look forward to birthing a little boy, who will grow up admiring his father but revering his mother. No matter the pain, the self-consciousness, or the confusion that must take place for it to happen, they want it to happen.

And that’s kind of like God’s love for us. No matter how crazy, insecure and sick we can be, there is a love that emanates from Heaven so pure, that it matters not what we did, but what we could do. It doesn’t matter who we are, but more of who we can be.

Thank God for these women, when you really think about it. We really underestimate how strong they are, and how loving they are. More than we could ever physically imagine.

I think about my wife and baby all of the time. I think about how happy we’ll be, how strong my wife is, how much laughter and love will surround our family, and all of the wonderful things that come along with expanding our family. But as the guy who is responsible for all of this, I also think about the tough times many families are going through. Not just financial, but spiritual and cultural as well.

Everybody’s money is tight, but I think about those families who must deal with thin incomes along with communication issues. I wonder about the children who notice fractured feelings and emotions between their parents, and how they will never know how much that will affect them in their futures. I wonder about the parents whose children are acting out in ways they can’t understand.

And so I pray for them.

I pray that everybody has an opportunity to draw closer to Him (or Her) in a way that will comfort and sustain them. I ask the Lord that love and wisdom surrounds those who seek to draw strength from confusion and strife. I appeal to the Creator to manufacture love amongst people, and to show the world the power of understanding and compassion.

And then I pray that I embody all of these things throughout the days of my life.

This happens pretty frequently throughout the day, and sometimes, I genuinely feel relief and comfort afterwards. Sometimes I still concern myself with the people losing jobs, and if I will be among those tested by tough economic times. I sometimes wonder if I’m a good enough husband, if I’m supportive enough, if I’m patient enough, if I’m strong enough for her.

I believe I am, mostly because I believe in Him (or Her).