There are fewer things in life more precious than children. Susan and I have been blessed with Isabelle for the past 3 years and never could have imagined the amount of love and joy that we have experienced with her. She has certainly caused excitement, not only in our lives, but in the lives of others. She stretches Susan and I in ways we couldn't imagine (from frustration and despair, to love and pure joy). As a parent, I'm most proud of my girl when her teachers tell us what a joy she is to have in class, that she was helpful with others and was obedient. As I witness her wide-eyed joy of listening to her various teachers, I know I have an inquisitive, challenge-seeking, and friendly kid. Last week I attended Isabelle's gym class and noted how attentive she was to the words her instructors were saying. She would follow their instructions and showed me how excited she is to learn. When the instructors asked the kids to get back to the "red circle", Isabelle was the first one there, sitting almost literally on the instructor's lap! (Teacher's pet definitely comes to mind!) I continue to learn about Isabelle's tendencies, her moods and her level of activity and look forward to so many more "firsts" that will happen over her lifetime.
I say all this because we are now expecting our second child on August 1st and I can't wait to enhance my education as a father! God has stretched me in ways I never would have imagined as a father of one daughter. My daughter continues to teach me more about myself and I'm looking forward to continue to learn with this next child.
Will this year be even more challenging in various ways? Sure. But I hold confident to the fact that we're not doing this on our own. I was encouraged yesterday morning by a devotional by James MacDonald: The Harder the Times, the Closer He Gets. The part that really made me stop in my tracks was this verse: Hebrews 7:25 - "Consequently, [Jesus] is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through Him, since he always lives to make intercession for them." Jesus has already interceded in prayer for me. Before I pray for my wife, daughter and baby, business, and community, He's talking to His Father on my behalf!
Finally, some of you may be wondering - what ever happened to the Jason Abraham State Farm Insurance Agency? Well, we're still waiting for an opportunity to open itself up. This has really been a challenge for me personally to wait patiently, there have been times that I have grown ever more anxious for the chance to open my doors, but as I get more anxious I'm constantly reminded that nothing I do is going to change the situation. God has a time and a plan for me…its as simple as that. I just have to remember that.
Thanks for reading...have a great 2009.
