Thankful for Being Loved

“Daddy’s home!!”

Queue the stampede of little feet

Flying leap into giant hugs.

“Daddy!!!”

Snuggles.

It is fantastic feeling loved. And appreciated.

There are days when our kids really do give us a beautiful gift in this love.

It’s not every day. It’s not every moment.

And let’s be honest… do we do the same for them?

Being loved and appreciated is not why we do this parenting thing…

Snap. They didn’t even know I existed when I started loving them.

So we do not love them so that we can feel loved.

But it is much appreciated when little pieces of it do come back!

When the impact and worthiness of our task is understood and appreciated

By the little ones who benefit from our sacrifice.

But I am not really the “best dad ever.”

I try… but I am broken. And struggle. And come up short.

But they still see it that way. And I am thankful.

Thankful for the love that the little ones have for little old me!

I recognize that all parents have a different interaction with this emotion.

Every child and every relationship is different.

But the little joys are there.

And today (Father’s Day) is a good time to be thankful for the love.

What love are you thankful for?

It’s ok to be thankful for something without saying “see… I’m only doing this out of selfishness.”

If you are parenting just to “receive love,” then you’re doing it wrong.

Some of the best decisions I make for my kids…

They despise and get angry at me for.

That’s ok. I’m their parent. They need my guidance ❤️

But the love is a nice side-effect!