In the beginning...

All I've ever wanted, as far back as I can remember, is to be a dad. Not because I had some Jam-up father figure in my life that I aspired to be like, quite the opposite in fact. I can honestly say that I never had much of a father at all, all the reason why I wanted to be one. I wanted, and still want, to be all the things my father wasn't; kind, compassionate, loving, heroic, gentle, and most importantly, THERE. I want my kids to know who I am, where I am, and what I stand for. I want them to know what I expect from them, and how much they mean to me. I want them to grow up knowing who I am, and the kind of man I was. I want to be friendly enough that they will come to me with anything, but strict enough that they know there is punishment for their mistakes. I want my kids to be respectful, kind, and loving at all times, quick to say "I'm Sorry" if they are not, and slow to anger with the people in our lives who are not.

Now the story:

In the beginning there was a girl. Katie was her name, and she captured me from across the room. I made some mistakes in our relationship early on, but quickly realized that she was the woman for me. I made her my wife, and she became pregnant. One of the happiest days of my life. It was fathers day when I found out, and I wept like a school girl. Griffin Emerson was born 2-11-2007, and it was everything I could imagine it to be.

Application:

All God has ever wanted was to be my Father. All He has desired is for my heart to desire His. For my life to mirror His, and for me to grow up knowing who He is, what He wants, and love Him with all my soul.

I hope neither of us are let down.