Arms Wide Open

“The Boy” and I recently rigged up an area in the unfinished portion of our basement so he could practice pitching to a target this winter while we’re stuck indoors. We also wired up an old computer and iTunes 9 (with home sharing) to pump in music while we’re practicing. It’s not quite a “man cave”, but it works. At some point this evening, someone dialed up a little “Hoedown Throwdown” on the jukebox and the dance party was on. Below is a video featuring my girls and our nephew Jackson who joined the party a little later. Make sure you check out my youngest really getting into it at the end. Good times.

I saw this commercial the other night and was cracking up. I’ve got 2 little girls and it was oh so close to home. If I’m going to stand in the backyard and play catch with “the boy” or spend hours developing his wicked post game, it’s only fair that I be an equal opportunity father. If it means grabbing the pom-poms and belting out a cheer, then so be it. I’ll wear that moment like a badge of honor! I’m telling you right now, I can do a mean “Hoedown Throwdown” (it’s a dance in case you were not sure) and I know every single word to the song “The Climb“.

I’m just saying…that’s all.

So how about it dads? What’s the worst most embarrassing thing you’ve done for your little ones? You can share it here. You’re amongst friends….

For reasons I am still trying to figure out, my hand clicked “review” on a book called “She Still Calls Me Daddy” by Robert Wolgemuth. My friends at Thomas Nelson were kind enough to send that one to me to review. I don’t know if I’m ready to do that. What I have read of the book so far is wonderful. It really has nothing to do with the book, or it’s author. I am just not sure I am ready to think about my little girls leaving home…..EVER! Maybe I should have read “She Calls Me Daddy” by the same author as it deals with the subject of daughters while they are still growing up.

While I try to enjoy every moment I have with my girls and not think about the inevitable, check out this song by Darius Rucker called “It Won’t Be Like This For Long”. Many of you will remember Darius as the frontman for the band “Hootie and the Blowfish”. Some even used to call him “Hootie” even though it was just the name of the band. ANYWAY, Darius is doing the solo thing now and if you have little girls, hold onto your seat (and them) while you watch this one. If this doesn’t tug the heart strings, check out this one from Michael W. Smith (you have to click the link, embed is disabled). I just have one word….

Ugh….

This clip convicted me today. Maybe convicted isn’t the right word. Whatever the word, I was reminded that three small children in our home are just starting out in the world of dreaming. Each day they are molding and shaping the targets that they will push and live to pursue. In a week or two they will begin school again where their dreams, futures and the possibilities will grow. As their Dad, my words can push wind into their sails or drop an anchor on their dream journey. I see it the most right now in “the boy”. That apple fell RIGHT BESIDE the tree. Lord give me the courage to inspire their dreams and the wisdom to guard my words.

Now that the dust has cleared and the half marathon is but a memory, I have been reflecting on what was my favorite part of the entire experience. Honestly, there are so many great moments from Saturday, it is hard to pick just one. Meeting my wife at the finish line, having family here for the event, seeing friends along the course and accomplishing a goal are all pretty high on the list. There is one moment that I really believe was my favorite part of the day.

After making my way through the sea of people at the finish line, my son and one of my two daughters (the other was at a choir practice) met me for an embrace. I won’t soon forget that moment. While the picture above is not from Saturday, it was another one of “those moments” someone caught on film. As I held my son and daughter near, I simply said “we did it buddy…we did it”. You see I made a commitment several months ago to taking better care of myself for those that are counting on me. My favorite part was knowing I kept my promise.

The final 3 weeks of training, “The Boy” rode his bike next to me on some of my final runs. We had fun together and it made him a partner in the experience. If I had to pick one moment from Saturday, I would say that was my favorite part….

My Favorite Part by Matthew West

[audio http://leftfield8.com/audio/mwmy.mp3]

“In My Arms” by Plumb

[audio http://leftfield8.com/audio/pinmy.mp3]

Your baby blues
So full of wonder
Your curly cues
Your contagious smile
And as I watch
You start to grow up
All I can do is hold you tight

Knowing clouds will raise up
Storms will race in
But you will be safe in my arms
Rains will pour down
Waves will crash all around
But you will be safe in my arms

Story books full of fairy tales
Kings and queens and the bluest skies
My heart is torn just in knowing
You’ll someday see the truth from lies

Knowing clouds will raise up
Storms will race in
But you will be safe in my arms
Rains will pour down
Waves will crash all around
But you will be safe in my arms

Castles they might crumble
Dreams may not come true
But you are never all alone
Because I will always
Always love you

Clouds will raise up
Storms will race in
But you will be safe in my arms
Rains will pour down
Waves will crash all around
But you will be safe in my arms