Today, I am privileged to include a guest post written by a good friend, J Hunt. It's amazing and worth the read...
One year ago today, I started this new chapter in my life called, A stay at home dad. I didn't know what was in store for me and it took longer than I thought to get the hang of it. If I had it all to do over, I wouldn't have changed a thing. Not because I did everything so perfect, just the opposite, but I learned by making mistakes and when I learned that it's ok to make mistakes, my kids learned it's ok to make mistakes. That's been a big lesson for all of us.
1. I have learned that Olivia is just like me. Stubborn, controlling, over acts, always has to get the last word. These are all my bad traits, but she is also generous, smart, witty and questions authority. She is our strong willed child. I cherish her for that, but some days it's too much to take and I want to run back to work. But that is family and unconditional love. We love them in good, bad and all times in between.
I pray for her to start a relation with God. I know she loves God, but she still has questions and I've answered them in every angle that I can think of. My God is faithful and He will answer that prayer one day.
2. I have learned that August James is the sweetest kid I know. He seeks attention (as middle children often do) and he doesn't care if it is positive or negative. He'll be mischievous but only to get your attention. He has no mean streak in him. He is also very spiritual. That kid is a prayer warrior. So what if many of his prayers are for God to help him sword fight the bad pirates, but he also prays for healing for his mother's back, for God to help him with his speech and with going potty. He gets it. God hears him.
3. Sammy Bea is a little spit fire. The kid has been cursed with the Hunt temper. I've never seen a 17 month old throw a toddler tantrum. The word NO, turns her eyes red with fury. She is going to be a tough person to bowl over. She will be a fighter and I have no doubt that she'll be fighting for those who can't fight for themselves. After all she is Samaritan. I love the fact that she calls me by name all the time, Papa, papa, papa.
That's what I've learned about my kids over the past year that I'm sure I would have learned eventually, but not in such detail and not from front row seats, where the show takes on a whole new meaning.
This past year has changed me and I'll never be the same. I am a control freak, an efficiency nut, quick to anger, over reactor and a task oriented guy. I've had to relearn me, because all my go to "tools" didn't work on this jobsite.
I've learned to let go of the reigns more. So what if Olivia's clothes don't match or that AJ washes his hands with too much soap or Sammy always loses a shoe. If I didn't let go of some of my crazy idiosyncrasies, I would have gone mad.
The bottom line is love your kids, love life and don't hold on so tight. It's a much better ride in the front row of the roller coaster with your hands held high, reaching out to God.
