FIRST DAY OF FATHERHOOD

It was official. His new name is Jacob Alexander King. After the court hearing, we left to go hiking in Julian. Kev was now a new father. And what would be Jakes future started with a hike into the mountains, followed by canoeing, fishing, mountain climbing, traveling, camping, baseball, football, soccer, the Grand Canyon trek, biking, and the list continues. He wanted to be different than his father and made sure he went to every game, every school play, every graduation, every birthday party. He taught him how to take care of a car, construction, woodwork, gardening. He modeled strong work ethics, and as Jake has said, how to be a man. But, being a father isn’t just about the fun times. It’s also about the difficult times; when Jake got in trouble with the law he stayed by his side, never condemning him; the 2:00 am trips to the ER when Jake couldn’t breathe; standing up against the bullies at school; the trip from hell; racing to pick him up from his ex girlfriends house during covid; the late night talks about my health issues; the 2:00 am stay at the hospital after his accident..building the ramps for his wheelchair. Like many new fathers, they don’t really tell you what you are getting into, how you are going to fail many times, how you wish you could have done things better, the nights you cry when your son is in pain, the fears that you will let him down more than once…and yet God chose each father for their child. But, because of sin, some fathers were not good and their children carry the scars of that pain. It is for that very reason God gave us HIS SON, HIS PERFECT SON, who could bring healing, restoration, and hope of a new creation….that the pattern of sin could end. Only Jesus can do this through the Father. This Father’s Day I want to thank all the fathers who are still striving to be the best dads they can through the strength and guidance of our perfect Father. And for those who didn’t have the kind of father they needed, I pray that you will accept Jesus into your life today and begin that healing process. As for Jakes dad, Kev, though not perfect, thank you for never giving up, showing up, and walking with Jesus. We love you…