It’s the morning of New Year’s Eve (2018). Pretty soon I’ll need to sit my MacBook down and change a diaper. I’d like to take a few minutes to reflect on this past year, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
Back to School
2018 began with a trip to Gateway Seminary (formerly Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary). Going back to school felt strange–it had been nearly twenty years since I completed my Master of Divinity at NOBTS. Much has changed since then, but I caught on pretty quickly (note: having your own charging ports at your desk is pretty nice).
By God’s grace I’ve made good progress towards the completion of my Doctor of Ministry degree (more quickly than I expected). It’s been a lot of work, but I believe it’s helping me to become a better pastor.
Fatherhood
Needless to say, the most significant event of the year came in March of 2018–Mare Cris and I became parents of a beautiful, healthy baby boy. I can hardly express how grateful I am to be a father.
It’s hard to believe Clark is now nine months old. As I’ve mentioned before, he’s rapidly transforming into a toddler.
Speaking of Clark, the completion of this post was interrupted when I heard him wake up. He has this adorable habit of smiling, flopping on his belly, and quickly crawling the length of the crib when one of us walks into his room. It’s as though his little body cannot adequately express his enthusiasm for seeing his mom or dad and starting another day.
Time has become an increasingly precious commodity in more ways than one. It’s precious because it seems we have so little of it to ourselves these days. But it’s also precious because it is going by so quickly. I know one day I will miss having a boy that’s small enough to sleep in my arms. I pray I will cherish every moment.
2018 has this in common with every year to date: God has been much better to me than I’ll ever deserve.
