of weddings and such

So, Shawna's wedding was a resounding bell in my life. My child-rearing days are rapidly passing by me. There are things about fathering the little guys that I will always miss- almost as much as I resented them when they existed.

I'll miss my kids needing me when I get home. They wanted to jump on me, have me take the places, ask for help with homework, or yell at me to fix their computer. Some days I dreaded coming home for all the stuff I would have to do.

Yup. I miss it.

They wanted to wrestle me, get horsey rides from me, go to the park for swing rides, and have their monthly 'date-with-Dad' (each). They wanted me to bless them at night witgh my hands on their heads as I prayed a blessing over them.

Miss it.

Not that this stage is bad. I love talking politics with Evan, or ministry with Luke, -who is actually preaching at one of our site churches this weekend. I like talking cars, and kidding about girlfriends, and helping out with projects. I like having two terrific sons-in-law.

Evan and I had an incredible conversation lately about leadership. Shawna and I have talked about a lot of things. Candace and I cried together a bunch about that dog Sam, who had the unmitigated gall too die on us two weeks ago.

Love this stage.

All-in-all, our chidren are the most incredible human beings I can imagine. They are honest, Godly, visionary, and smart. They are funny, creative, and passionate human beings. I cannot imagine being a happier Dad than I am.

And I don't miss the past much, or often. Just when weddings and funerals come around, as they have a lot lately. And when I see myself in wedding pictures and wonder how I got so... much older.