Happy Birthday, Jacob!

Today my son, Jacob, turns four. In case you're bad with math that means that four years ago today, Rita and I were in a hospital room, and she was (admirably and with great strength) preparing to bring our first child into the world.

It seemed like there were literally thousands of emotions that danced through my mind during those few hours that we spent in that room waiting for his arrival.

I had always thought I'd make a good father. Perhaps I was a little too confident in my own abilities, because I soon learned how difficult of a proposition that can really be. It requires great patience when you feel you have very little of it to offer. It requires an unrelenting kind of love that refuses to wilt in the face of intense conflict (if you've ever had a four year old child, you know of what I speak...). And it demands a lot of wisdom and skill that, many times, I frankly find myself lacking.

This afternoon Jacob and I went out to lunch at Friendly's for his birthday lunch (see above photo). I'd like to say it's a tradition, but since this is the first time, I'm not sure it qualifies yet. We had as advanced a conversation as possible as he munched on his grilled cheese and moved quickly to the all-important hot fudge sundae.

Jacob is four, but I feel like I've grown up a lifetime in the short years he has been part of my life. I have learned so much from him, and I can only hope that he's learning some things from me. His quiet and sensitive spirit remind me that patience and compassion are qualities that are reflective of our heavenly father. His inquisitive mind reminds me that there are some mysteries that should still take me by surprise, and that it's ok to say, "I don't know." His imagination intrigues me, helping me remember what it's like to create and dream, and inspiring me to do the same. And his energy - well, his energy reminds me that when you're passionate about something, you find the energy to pursue it.

Jacob, four years ago your arrival into my life brought such light and joy. I see them still in your face today, and I love what I see.

Happy Birthday, Jacob!