Yesterday Noah and I walked to the very spot where Dan and I shared our first kiss. Since Noah had (of course) fallen asleep while we walked there, I took a few minutes to sit on the bench and think about our relationship, which began right around this time, seven years ago. It was crazy and sort of surreal to sit there now, with our son, who is a true gift and testament of the love we have for one another. And a little side note.....just a short distance away from where we had a first kiss was where Dan proposed (which just so happens to have been five years ago today!). I made the best decision when I said "yes" that evening. From first kiss, to first baby, our relationship has been the greatest adventure. It sounds super cliche, but sometimes I have to sit back and remind myself that this is the life I get to live. A very blessed, joyful, and meaningful life of growth and love with my very best friend. Even when we have our "moments" of stubbornness (yes, we both can be very stubborn!) and petty arguments (about things like the temperature in the house and our messy bedroom), we learn more about ourselves and one another. Through the ups and the downs, we continue to learn how to best serve and love each other.
So back to this "first kiss" memory. I can't help but think about the fact that I will most likely have the privilege of being Noah's "first kiss". I must say I am already looking forward to his kisses goodnight and holding his hand as we walk places. Raising a boy to become a young man is quite a responsibility (as is raising a girl) and one that I am taking very seriously. I think it takes effort, wisdom, and constant prayer to help raise up a child to grow into a man that will one day be a devoted husband, father, and positive member of society. I am a worrier and it takes everything in me not to worry myself to the core about everything and anything related to our child. Someone told me once that the moment your child enters the world, it's the start of our need to pray, since we cannot have full control over their safety, choices, and health. It is so true and a lesson athat I am already learning. We have to not only try our best to lead and teach Noah about the good, bad, tough, and beautiful things we experience in life, but also have to have faith and trust that his journey will be protected and good.
Even more than ever I am so thankful for Dan. I couldn't have asked for a better person to teach Noah the ins and outs of being a man of integrity. My prayer for our son is that he will one day become a man who respects every single person he comes into contact with... young, old, fat, thin, rich, poor, educated, uneducated, nice, bitter...every one. A man who is a hard worker, tries his best, is not afraid or embarrassed to lose at something, and is humble about his gifts and talents. Someone who hates to see people suffer, is wise with, but not obsessive over money, and someone who, above all else, loves and follows Christ as his lord and savior.
I could go on and on, but the little guy just woke up and I have to be done!
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