Last night Rachel and I went to a Childbirth Preparation class at the hospital we'll be using. We went on a tour of the birthing center so we'd be somewhat familiar with the layout when we're there in a few weeks. Part of the tour was visiting the nursery where we were able to look inside and see a couple of babies. One of the babies had been born within the last hour and the father was there with a nurse giving his new son his first bath.
We were there for about ten to fifteen minutes, and I was captivated by the father and son. I felt like I had a glimpse into the future, because soon, I would be that man giving my son his first bath. As the minutes wore on, I noticed a change take place in the man. I cannot quite put my finger on it, but there was a noticeable change that took place as I watched. I don't know what all was going on in his mind, but it seemed like he went from being amazed at the new life before him to realizing that this was his son, that he was a father. He may not have even been aware of the change taking place, but the man we walked away from was a different person from the man who was there when we arrived.
I know a lot of things are going to be changing over the next several months, and I have given a lot of thought to the different areas, but I don't think I have given much thought to how I will be changed. I knew our family dynamics will be different, our lifestyles will be different, our choices will be different, but I didn't grasp that somehow I will be different.
It really makes me stop and wonder in what ways that change is going to be apparent.
Steve has always said that God uses our children in our lives/character as much if not more than He uses us in theirs. He has their journey in His hands and will accomplish what He desires but we are forever changed when we become parents. Hopefully we learn the lessons He wants us to learn. You will definitely become a different person as soon as you see your little one! Congrats dad!
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