Today my little guy turns 2. This week I went through the extreme emotions of a doting dad with a growing shadow. Reflecting on year 1 to 2 has led me to notice a few differences from year 0 to 1. For example, I don’t remember ever uttering the phrase “please stop trying to ride the cat” during the first year of Reed.
Besides the constant ornery plotting of child and feline, I find myself amazed by how quickly he is growing. Humans grow . . . I get this logically. Yet to see who use to be the size of an avocado (baby apps are great), turn into the size of an extra in The Wizard of Oz in a few short months, is incredibly peculiar. With his growing frame, has come a growing personality as well. This is perhaps the most interesting/trying part of being a father to a pint size version of my own stubbornness and desire for autonomy. No matter how frustrated I get with him, I realize that God has an incredible sense of humor.
I remember hearing from a comedian who said that God gives us kids so we can experience what it’s like to create something in our own image, only for it to turn around and deny our existence.
This is painfully comedic.
In him I see the good in both his mom and me. His independence and creativity is a good gift from above. His sense of humor is sweet and genuine. As parents, it is easy to get upset when these “gifts” don’t play out within the perimeters we assign them. However, given the fact that again, he was the shape of a grapefruit only a few months ago, I will give him a pass for thinking that putting hangers on the cat is amusing (the cat seems to understand grace too. He’s a patient tabby).
I realize that his gifts, strengths, and potential is entrusted to me to cultivate. In a loving household, you hope these blossom into a semi well adjusted adult. . . or at least one that doesn’t need extensive therapy. For me, it is important to remember that everything is still new and he needs my patience and coaching right now. He is a natural explorer and curious risk taker. The worse thing I can do as his dad is to mute this or punish him for doing what comes natural. Instead, showing real-world consequences while allowing him to fail is needed most, even when I wish to continually rescue him.
The other day, we went for our nightly walk. I’ve been working with him the importance of not running out into the street. While typically he will grab my hand when it’s time to cross, this night he felt a little more adventurous. As he crept to the road, I pulled out my dad voice and explained the expectations and consequences of such a decision. Of course, he was pushing boundaries purposely and eventually he was in the road. I scooped him up and carried him back home per our consequence talk earlier. In that moment, I realized there are two sides to the strengths given to us. I hope in this next season I am faithful to both him and God in bringing out the best in these.
Happy birthday buddy. The cat forgives you.
Matt simon blog 