Once I found out that I was going to be a dad, it seemed that parents couldn’t resist the urge to tell me how I would draw spiritual principles from watching my child grow up. I have to admit, I really liked the idea.

Over the past year, I’ve watched Savannah grow and have found myself intentionally looking for lessons to be learned. I’d like to offer dozens of insights gleaned throughout the past year, but I have nothing…until now.

Recently, I rolled a small ball to Savannah’s lap. She promptly scooped it up, held it tightly, looked at me and gave me a squishy face smile that would cause anybody to laugh out loud in response. She loved the ball, she loved the game, she loved that moment. I looked at Kristy and said, “what would life be like if we had the joy of a child.” And there it was.

It’s been weeks since then. I can’t seem to get away from it. It chases me, haunts me and tempts me to look at things differently…but I can’t; at least not yet. Best I can tell, to be that joyful requires me to see the best in everything and everybody. If I am honest, I’ve created quite a concrete perspective in looking at things critically. That’s my gift…at least I thought. Today, I learned that it’s not my gift…it’s my pride. No wonder I don’t see things like a child. Rather than looking at the fullness that life has to offer, I choose to focus on the improvements that life could bring. Where’s the joy in that?

I want, nothing more, than move beyond the criticism and into the fullness of joy. It just seems more fun.

What about you?

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