Jackson

I have three sons – Jackson, Parker, and Matthew – ages 12, 10, and 8 respectively (*insert cliché “My Three Sons” joke here*). You’d think, after 12+ years of being a father, I’d start to have things down. You would, of course, be wrong.

Parenting is like a brand new adventure every single day. You could say that for any of my boys, but since today is “J” and I only have one son that starts with “J” and that son happens to also be the oldest, just roll with me.

Jackson is just like me, which makes him the most difficult kid for me to parent. It also, I think, allows for the greatest lessons in parenting. I think that’s why God gave him to me first…so I could at least get the lessons down that would help with the other two. Here are just a few of the lessons I’ve learned while being Jackson’s dad…

I don’t really know what I’m doing. If you had kids, think back to the first day you came home with your child. I remember ours. We walked in, set him down in his car seat, and thought, “What are we supposed to do now?!” We’re still trying to figure that one out…

My dad is way smarter than I ever gave him credit for. Dad, all I can say is, “You were right.” And “I’m learning it more and more each day.” 

Time goes way too fast. I can remember that day we brought Jackson home. I can remember almost every day since. But what I can’t remember is agreeing to let those days slip by so fast. 

God has more patience with me than I’ll ever know. There is no greater lesson in God than that of being a parent. And I’m amazed that he continues to give me fresh chances to make up for my mistakes. I cannot fathom that kind of patience. But I am grateful for it!

Of course, there are a squillion more lessons I’ve learned…and a squillion more to learn ahead. I only hope and pray that each lesson I learn is a lesson learned out of love for … Jackson.