Happy Birthday Cole

Today is Cole's (my son's) second birthday. It's almost mind boggling everything that's happened during that time period for me. And I'm only beginning to learn how much I HAVE yet to learn about being a father.

Ella, our first child, is 4 and full of life. I find it easy to be her daddy. Cole has been more of our challenge for me. I think I'm intimidated by the fact that, for the most part, his understanding of what it means to be a man will come from me. I'm still trying to figure it out myself and now I'm responsible to model it for someone else?

"The experts" I've read say that around 2 -3 years of age, a boy moves his attachment from mom to dad. I see that beginning to happen as I watch Cole watching me or mimicking what I do or my facial expressions. I've recently begun watching Cole myself (vs. daycare) on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (I watch both kids on Mondays; Ella has pre-school on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and then Amy watches both kids on Thursdays and Fridays.)

Cole's helping me loosen up a little; he shows me that it's okay to have a wild side and cut loose a little every now and then. He also has a tender side that cares about others' feelings (" 'K', Ella?" he'll ask his sister.)

He's also helping me get in touch with God as Father also. Intellectually, it can seem silly to think that God would really care about me. But if, I, as a father, care about my "creation" so deeply, even though Cole can't do a whole lot yet and is learning simple little things, is it such a stretch to imagine that my Father cares even more deeply for me?

And if my son has learned to trust me and come to me with his "ow-ies" and know he will be warmly received, shouldn't I be following Cole's example in my relationship with my Father in heaven?

The Bible's full of scriptures along these lines, but I'm also seeing them proven true in my experiences with Cole and Ella.

So, in case you ever read this at some far off future date, Cole, know this: Daddy loves you, and you are my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased.