There’s something special about bedtime.

The quiet moments that I get to hold my baby girl in my arms and make up silly songs about Tinkerbell & Barney & Chuck E. Cheese, and read books like “Good Dog Carl” (undoubtedly one of the worst parenting models ever etched in a book…I mean, who lets their Rottweiler babysit their infant?), and really just snuggle her when she is still and quiet.

I look at Calla’s face and I just wonder what kind of teenager she will be…what kind of young woman she will someday be.  Will she love Jesus?  What kind of man will she marry?  What kind of life will she pursue?

Being a dad is a huge responsibility.  Every moment matters.

My kids are counting on me to protect them, provide for them, prepare them for what’s next, and to keep my promises. It’s not just what I say and do, its what I don’t say and don’t do too. I’m not a perfect husband, and I’m not a perfect daddy. Even my best efforts won’t guarantee that my children will grow up to be who God calls them to be, but my prayer for them is that they walk with Jesus and trust Him deeply.

And its on me to model that life for them.

I know that who I choose to be today, and tomorrow and the next day, will deeply impact who my children choose to be 20 years from now when they are taking the reins of their lives.  I want their memories to be permanently marked with the knowledge that I love them, that I think they are incredibly special, and that I will always be there.  Throughout their lives, I want them to see me love their mommy, guard my marriage, serve Jesus wholeheartedly, uphold my integrity, put others first…I want them to see Jesus in me.

Because who my children will someday become has everything to do with who I am now.