God, my boys, and me

A few weeks ago I wrote about getting Brandon to apologize to someone. He wouldn't and, in a nutshell, we had a little confrontation over it that ended with punishment. It broke my heart that he wouldn't do something that I asked him to.

Night before last, it happened again. Same scenario, and Brandon wouldn't apologize. But this time, after less coaxing than before, Brandon apologized. And while I was still disappointed over his actions, the fact that he apologized made me proud.

My insight - Discipline is tough. But when it happens, it's always for a greater good. It's tough to realize that when God is disciplining me, but it just as true.

Okay - you're going to probably think this is the most absurd thing that you've ever read. But it's true.

Last night, around 9:45, I did something that I swore I would never do again. I cut Brandon's fingernails.

Big deal, right? Well, let me tell you the backstory - until last night, I had only cut his fingernails once. He was 6 days old (Christmas day). I messed up, and nipped the end of his finger. It bled. Big time. We didn't ever think it would stop. We were calling friends parents for advice, and I was ready to take him to the emergency room for stitches. I was panicked, thinking that this was my first small test as a Dad, and I flunked. Big time. What would all of the Drs. and nurses think when they saw it? Was I really fit to be a Dad?

I hate failure.

So last night, two and a half years later, I tried again. They needed to be done, and Amanda (who usually does it) was busy with Caleb. So I grabbed the clippers and plunged in. Carefully. And this time, no bloodshed.

I think I've figured something out: The first time, I was sure I could do it. Knew what to do, and didn't need any advice. But thistime, I just did what I saw other people do.

My insight - We grow over time, in stature and spirit. I need to do things not based on my wisdom, but God's. Things always seem to work out better that way.