Sunday, June 29, 2008

dad's 1st blog entry



31st Birthday Reflections

Driving back home from Austin this morning, I started flipping through stations and spent some time in the 80's. The lyrics of an old Warrant ballad still ring in my head, "I don't need to be the king of the world, as long as I'm the hero of this little girl," I love my moments in marriage and parenting when that is the sentiment of my heart...

I turned 31 just over a week ago, and my wonderful family celebrated me. Dinner, streamers, words. I got art. I got the red "special" plate to eat on. I got to watch Stewart Little with my kids snuggled on the couch. We danced to Beck's favorite song-the opener on the Juno soundtrack. Atlee and Avalon got spun. Nik and i did the pretzel.

This is such a special season of life. Our kids want to draw in and experience family. To glean identity. To learn. To be entertained. I recognize these years are precious and fleeting and before long so many outside "heroes" will take their focus, but today we have it. How can we capture every moment to understand them? To listen? To accept. To impart knowledge. To foster a foundation rooted in Christ that will withstand all the turbulent and trying years ahead?

I don't have all the answers, but I have Nikki which is a huge asset:) Lord help us dads and husbands to lead our families well. I await more of You in me as I progress thru my 30's and may your grace overflow into how I regard those closest to me.

Proverbs 24:3-4
"By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures."

6 comments:

spaghettipie said...

So fun to hear from Dad Anderson. What a family of great writers, too. You guys are such a blessing to all who know you. Happy belated birthday!

Unknown said...

Jeff,

Happy Birthday (sorry that I missed it, again)! Great thoughts. I love that you were inspired by an 80's tune.

C. Wolfe

TJ Wilson said...

Love that song, love this post! Happy happy birthday, old man. Smiling just picturing you and Nik doing the pretzel. As always, inspired by and admiring of you guys.

Krista Sanders said...

What a treat! Happy Birthday-- so glad you are INTO your 30's now. We are thankful to know your special family and to get to live a little life with you.

august and everything after said...

ruffers... so well said. thank you for posting. so grateful for you and your fam.

Cristy said...

good to "see" you guys again! Your kids are absolutely beautiful.

Life in the Inn full of Andersons