It Goes Too Fast

This year marks the 25th anniversary of my high school graduation. Tomorrow, my son graduates high school. How the heck did that happen? I remember, as if it were yesterday, gazing through the window at Hillcrest Baptist Hospital in Waco with a goofy grin on my face thinking, "that's my boy!" I remember Josh learning to walk by chasing after a cookie that someone was holding in front of him at church. I remember... I could go on and on. What is really amazing to me though, is the fact that I look into his eyes and I see that the little boy has become a man. Don't get me wrong, he still has a whole lot to learn about life, but he has become a man.
I have always heard how hard it was to parent teens, but I must honestly say, he made it a piece of cake: he is considerate, compasionate, generous, loving, and content. He has been a joy to parent.

I can't wait to see what God is going to do through his life. There has even been some talk of ministering to the poor in a third world country, who knows. But this I do know, Josh, God has something really cool planned for your life and I pray that you will reach your full potential in Him. Don't let anybody tell you that you can't or that your dreams are impossible. I pray that you will seek God everyday and that you will find the godly woman that God has picked for you. I also pray that your family will change whatever part of the world you will call home.

Please know that your Mom and I are here for you, we love you, and we are proud to call you son. You are awesome. Congratulations!

Children are Expensive

$200,000! That is what the projected cost of raising a child born in 2007 would be when that child reaches the age of 18. This is based on the "typical" middle income family. That number seems a bit low to me, but let's assume that it is correct. What could you do with an extra 200 grand? Imagine the possibilities: a new house, a traveling adventure, a better retirement. If you have multiple children then- imagine.

The truth, however, is that we as parents are making an investment. An investment in the future. Not only are we investing in the possibility of being grandparents, but really we are investing in the future of our world. Imagine the possibilities: what if your child is the one who grows up to find the cure for cancer? what if your child becomes president of the United States? what if your child is the school teacher who changes in a positive direction the lives of hundreds of children? what if yours is the child who saves lives of those in a burning building? what if yours is the child who finds a way to thwart starvation in our world? what if your child is the one who starts a non-profit that changes the future for millions of people? what if your child grows up, gets married, and is a great spouse and parent and impacts those in their nuclear family?what if your child takes the greatest news in the world, that Jesus loves them, to a place that has never heard before?

I guess $200,000 is a small price to pay for changing the world.

I also hope they remember this investment when they pick my nursing home.