Representing the Family...

When I was a kid my parents would periodically remind me that I represented the family when I went out in public. My actions were a reflection of what my family was all about. While I like to think that I always did my parents proud, I'm sure there were occasions (only a few of course!) when my behavior failed to represent the values and preferences of a Christ-honoring family. Childhood excitement and teenage angst are respectively quite powerful factors!

Nevertheless, I'm grateful for the lesson that I learned through my childhood years: public behavior should reflect familial values and commitments. 

On a much grander scale, I think we see this same principle play out in the Old Testament. Early on in the book of Deuteronomy as Moses recounts the instructions of Yahweh to Israel, he makes an interesting statement:

"See, I have taught you statues and rules, as the Lord my God commanded me...Keep them and do them, for that will be your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, 'Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.'" (Deut. 4:5-6)

As it turns out, the Israelite people had both personal and public motivations for following the instructions of Yahweh. Not only would they be life-giving for their community, but they would also serve as an apologetic of sorts to the surrounding nations. The nations couldn't help but recognize that Israel was a "wise and understanding people" who served a righteous and attentive God (Duet. 4:7-8). Ultimately, Israel's actions in the public realm were meant to reflect the nature and attributes of our great God.  

Similarly, Christians of today are instructed to "Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matt. 5:16). Our actions and attitudes (should!) represent the family we come from. Indeed, our daily life is the stage on which God's "family-values" find their most important expression; not merely in our words, but in our deeds (James 2:26). 

I don't think we should be overly harsh on ourselves when it comes to areas where we don't quite reflect God's character. Just like any naturally adopted child, you would expect it to take time to learn the new family's way of life. The key is to stay committed to the learning curve! 

By God's grace, may we continually learn the ways of God's family to spread his glory to the nations!

Grace and Peace.

Why I Love Being A Dad

I’ve officially been a dad to this little munchkin for five months now and it’s been the most amazing treat!

Truth be told, I’ve been so busy experiencing parenthood that I’ve had little time to reflect on the deep joys of the parenting journey. This blog is an attempt to reconcile that. What follows are a few of the things that I love about being a dad.

1) I love that she loves.

I know I’ve mentioned something like this before, but I just can’t get over how delightful Naemi’s smile is. Judy and I sneak into her bedroom each morning just so we can catch her joyful face as she coos in her crib. The instant she spots us, she lights up with a cheek-to-cheek grin and you can tell in those moments that (however much it’s possible for her) she loves.

I don’t know how that’s possible, but it’s true.

2) I love that she grows.

I remember back to when Naemi was only weeks old and couldn’t do a single thing for herself – save voiding her bowels. Now she sits up, plays with toys, rolls back and forth, babbles, etc. While these advancements make me a little bit sad, I also can’t help but feel so much love for her. What an amazing process! Growth and development is a beautiful reality to watch unfold.

3) I love that she relates.

While Naemi’s social life is understandably limited, Judy still makes sure that Naemi gets time with other little munchkins. It’s the coolest thing to watch her stare at her little friends and try with all her might to “talk” to them. What’s going on inside her little mind? What does she want to talk with her little peeps about? Breastfeeding? Bright colors? Dad’s dorky faces? Whatever it is, her spark of interest in others and desire to communicate always warms my heart.

4) I love that she sleeps.

I know a lot of moms might read this one and hate me, but give me a chance to explain! J While Naemi does sleep “reasonably” well (I’m afraid to jinx it!), I’m referring more to the manner in which she sleeps: peacefully. There’s nothing like a cute little munchkin sleeping in her crib. Soft cheeks. Serene expression. Relaxed arms and legs. I love it! Judy and I both actually do. So much so, in fact, that we often sneak into her bedroom before we go to bed just so we can look at her.

I’m so grateful to be a dad. It feels simultaneously like the hardest and easiest thing in the world. Perhaps some of you dads know what I mean when I say that.

Here’s to the future and all the memories to come!