I became a dad for the first time on January 10, 2009.  It did not take long to find out that being a dad is hard work.  The hardest part is realizing that there are no vacation days for at least 18 years!  I wish I had a dollar for every mile I have walked in trying to put my daughter to sleep.  Then there are the diapers.  Fun times.  I keep thinking that things will get easier as my daughter grows and is able to do more on her own.  I am learning that I am absolutely wrong!  The more she is able to do on her own, the more I have to keep an eye on her to make sure she does not do them (or other things).  There is no time to take a break unless she is taking a break, which thankfully she does twice a day for about an hour at a time.  That is when I eat.  There is no question who rules our household.  We named her Sarah, which is Hebrew for “princess”.  The name says all you need to know.

Why would I put myself through such agony day after day?  Because I love that little girl.  She is truly like a ray of sunshine to me.  I hate when I am not with her.  I want to be there to witness every little thing she does.  Besides, who could resist that smile?  Not me.

My little girl turns one this Sunday, January 10.  As her birthday approaches, I am thankful to God that he would bless me with such a wonderful gift.  I am also in awe that the Bible tells us that God calls us his children.  God loves me like a father loves his own child?  How could that be?  As I learn more and more about the love of a father, I am more and more amazed and struck by God’s love for me.  I got Sarah gifts for her birthday, but nothing could ever compare to the gift that she has been to me.  Happy birthday, Sarah.  I love you.