It was a bright and sunny afternoon, but all I wanted deep down inside was to be in the same dark gloomy room as my wife. I paced back and forth for what seemed like eternity, when it was actually just under thirty minutes. I was sweating and my heart pounding heavily. Might sound like a cliche, but I guess that’s how all daddies-to-be should feel like.
When the doctor came out and said “Congratulations, it’s a healthy baby girl.”, I was immediately torn between checking on my wife and going straight to the nursery. I actually remember doing both at once (well, that’s what it felt like at least)
The first time I saw Alexa Margaret Salabsalo Mabilog, I felt my whole world suddenly get splashed with the brightest and most lively technicolor. My warrior princess had finally come. It’s been exactly three years since that fateful day, and I’ve been so blessed. If I had to summarize the past three years into three thoughts it’s this.
1. Children are Proof of the Grace of God
I’ve done very little and earned close to nothing to merit the title and privilege of being a father, but because of God’s love and grace, I’m still a dad. Everyday I look at my daughter, I can’t help but remember the many times I have failed (even in just 3 years!) to be a good father. All that has sustained me is the grace of God.
2. There’s No Preparing for Fatherhood
You can read all the books you want, go to as many seminars as possible and they help! Thank God I took time to study and learn best practices of fatherhood, but books don’t always tell you everything. Sometimes you just have to wing it. There are times you will make mistakes, but that’s why it’s a process.
3. Kids are Worth the Sacrifice
So many men dread the idea of kids because they think they suck the life out of you. All those sleepless nights, expensive baby stuff and limited time left for yourself will make you think that being a dad will make you miss out. I beg to differ. You don’t miss out because of fatherhood. In fact, you can really miss out on a lot when you deprive yourself of fatherhood.
Great come along with being a dad, and sometimes it can be overwhelming. But to be completely honest, there is no more fulfilling job, role and privilege than being a dad and husband. To all dads and husbands, your duty to your wife and children is the number one job description you should fulfill every single day of your life. You owe it to yourself to carry that delight.
Happy birthday, my sweet Alex. You are living proof that God is faithful.
