Today I took my three year old son on a "daddy date". I'm not sure if that is a manly thing to call it or not but my boys know what it is and get super excited anytime it is their turn. It is so rewarding to spend quality time with your children individually as compared to doing everything with a herd mentality. Chase and I went to the Ike Box and split a white chocolate soy mocha. He told everyone about his lightning McQueen car he was holding in his hand. We proceeded from there to make our way to the state capital with the intention of chasing squirrels. The squirrels were no where to be found and so Chase got really upset at them. I told him they were in their beds for nap time. Chase nodded like they were good squirrels and gave it his approval but he was on the verge of throwing a Chase fit. We then decided to jump into the fountains and it was a refreshing delight to see his joy amidst the busy bus station and people in sleeveless shirts picketing on the capitol steps.
Parenthood is such a gift from God. Parenting requires patience and the ability to comfort your children. They get upset about many things like when the squirrels don't show. We like Chase have our own fake super men that we trust will make us happy. The Bible calls this idolatry. It can be your job, relationships, success, your political allegiances, your kids, comfort, sex, your degrees, etc.When I trace through the story line of the Bible it becomes clear that from day one of creation God has been showing us patience and offering us comfort. The Lord comforted Adam and Eve by clothing their shame in the garden. Before Cain was thinking of murdering Abel the Lord warned him, and after Cain killed Abel the Lord still pursued Cain and protected him. The Lord rescued Noah and his family from zombie like sinners bent on murderous destruction. When Noah's descendants decided to build their rockstar to heaven building (symbolizing their self-sufficiency) called the "tower of Babel" God frustrated their plans in his grace. Joseph's brothers tried to kill him exhibiting their appetite for the forbidden fruit as well, yet the Lord rescued Joseph and used Joseph for good even to bless his hateful brothers by providing for them. Finally, God sent us His Son to exhibit the ultimate patience and comfort. The God of the Bible has pursued us individually from the very beginning. When's the last time you spent some time with your Creator? Sometimes our misconceptions of who He is keeps us from coming to Him. He is full of patience and comfort and His heart towards you is that you'd have joy and hope. If you have a Bible, take some time to read the gospel of John and see what God in the flesh truly looks like.
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