It’s been a few months since I’ve updated my blog. This post may not be quite as deeply reflective as the previous post on fatherhood, but I did want to take a few minutes this morning and write a few thoughts/updates.
Clark turned six months old a few days ago. He is smiling and able to sit up on his own (as you can see in this picture, taken after an invigorating nap). One tooth has sprouted, and another is beginning to emerge.
The past six months have been a paradox in terms of time. The sleepless nights of those first few weeks seemed to slow down time.
Yet he’s grown up so quickly. Clark looks more like a toddler and less like a helpless infant with each passing day. I still wonder if I take enough time to contemplate my son’s developmental milestones–each of them a blessing from God.
My wife and I operate on an invisible timer of sorts–taking care of chores or whatever else we can while he’s asleep. We know at least one of us will be occupied once he wakes up.
Somehow, by the grace of God, I’ve been able to finish about half of the hours required to complete a Doctor of Ministry at Gateway. God willing, I’ll have 75% of it done by Clark’s first birthday. It is a lot of work, but it has been a worthwhile investment that has exceeded my expectations.
It’s been almost two years since I began pastoring the church where we currently serve. I pray that my congregation receives at least a fraction of the blessing I get from studying God’s word and preparing sermons every week.
Mare Cris and I have been married for over six and a half years. I love her more now than the day I married her.
I am unworthy, but deeply loved.
Life is about grace. I’ll never fully understand it, but I stand with open arms and an open heart–a grateful recipient.
