Emergence

I have no more time to think about hamburger buns (see previous blog post for that one). I now have a second little boy!

On December 17th at 1:43pm Melissa and I welcomed Chase Brian Hawthorne into the family. He weighed 7 lbs. 3 oz. (exactly how much Landon weighed when he was born) and was 3 inches shorter than Landon--a fact that I'm sure he'll come to hate when he gets older.

In my old age... well, all 29 years of my life... I have learned one very important lesson: I don't have it all figured out. In fact, I have very little of "it" figured out.

I've come to the conclusion that if you think you've got it all figured out you're either:
1 - single with no kids
2 - married with no kids, or
3 - a bad parent.

I know this is very much a generalization, but here's the deal--if you're truly engaged in your kids lives, things will get messy. If you're a parent (with younger kids) who feels like you don't have a stress in the world and that this life thing is easy, check yourself. Chances are you're not the one who is stressed because your wife is. Chances are you're neglecting the family and are completely consumed with the things that make only you happy.

If that's the case, repent now... and get a little messier--messy enough that you know you don't have it all figured out. Don't wait until your kids are making the tough decisions of life--most of which involve saying no to something (drugs, pre-marital sex, and various other destructive things). Saying no is only something they will learn by observing their parents. Observing is something they can do when their parents are around. Be involved with your kids.

I say this as a challenge to myself as much as it is to you. A new child brings more responsibility... and a reminder of the ones you already have.

Thanks for your prayers and encouragement. You guys rock. And if I ever seem like I have forgotten, remind me: I don't have it all figured out.