My Family

Today, I woke up to find my children standing over me with big smiles. Though I would liked to have slept a little bit longer, I realized they were anxious for me to get up. By the smell of things, I could tell that mom had made me a special birthday breakfast, and my kids were ready for me to go to the table. When I reached the kitchen, I found a plate of French toast (my wife makes great French toast) with a single candle in the middle of it. Later, they took me to the living room where they had hung a happy birthday sign that they had made. My kids were all smiles as they showed it to me.

In the past, I might have been embarrassed at such attention, but today, it brought me great joy. I am filled with joy because I sense that these things are done with hearts of sincere love. The smiles that my kids had today, were not smiles that existed because they were proud of what they did, but instead, they were smiling because they thought that these actions were making me happy (which they were).

I am so thankful for my family. God was very kind to provide them to me. The road my Father has chosen to lead me down is a very lonely road. And even though I am fairly certain that I would choose to walk it completely alone, I am very thankful that I do not have to. I am thankful that I have a great wife and two great kids to walk it with me.

To my family: I love you much! Thank you very much for today. It is the greatest honor in the world to be the one chosen by God to lead you as we journey together towards home.