I'm only 27.
Well.. today I'm only 27, I was 26 yesterday. But the gap between the adult and the child in me is growing at a rapid rate, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. I'm just beginning to notice that I'm relating less to children than I used to. It annoys me to hear them whine or cry because I'm pretty sure they don't have a good reason. It makes me angry when I see them trying to manipulate and lie to get out of a bad situation, because that's not how you're supposed to handle bad situations.
Do I have anything worth whining over?
Do I ever feel the need to lie?
And it's those questions that reconnect me with my inner whiny, lier.
With that said, I need to make it very clear that the children I spent this weekend with were neither whiny nor manipulative. They were incredibly well behaved. Being around them just reminded me how most kids are not.
I make it sound like a have a disdain for children, which I think Ruth will attest that I don't. I love kids, and I can't wait to have some of our own. This weekend I just realized that for the past few years I've been struggling to grow up and become a man. I've been trying to become a responsible, trustworthy, God-fearing, leader to protect and love my wife.
But in the process, I started listening to NPR's Fresh Air, and This American Life! I enjoy the newspaper and for more than just the funny pages! Going to bed at 9:oopm is a special treat! I like a hot cup of coffee more than ice cream. I try to make it home in time for live political debates instead of Batman.
For goodness sake I like debating the real estate market and interest rates!
Alright, let's not get carried away, I do make video games and draw comics for a living. I do own a pet mantis, and I do have a pet lizard arriving in the mail tomorrow for my birthday.
I was just making an observation. It's good to grow up.
It's also good to remember where you've been, and what it was like while you were there.
Which brings me to - context! (yeah!)
Ruth's friends Michelle and Masaya came for a visit this weekend and brought along their 4 girls under the age of 5. It was full house, and kind of brought me face to face with my lack of fatherly skill. I think I'll be a good father, there's just a few things I need to learn - like when you pick up a 4 month old baby from behind she doesn't know that I'm not her Mom. It was great for Ruth and I to observe how Michelle and Masaya make this busy family work. They do great, and we all actually had quite a bit of fun.
We went to the zoo on Saturday. I love the zoo.
Here's the thing about the zoo - the animals are always sleeping...
whoops! That's the other zoo.
So what I realized is; Zoo's are pretty much retirement homes for animals. What would you do if someone approached you and asked if you'd like to be fed the rest of your life without having to work for it. Free room and board. Free food. Friends. Medical care. Daily visits. Sounds like Florida to me.
And this looks like and old man who doesn't recognize me and can't find his pants...
Despite the clarity, there is actually a solid piece of plexiglass between me and that old man in this shot.
It cracks me up that this bird needs a name tag.
Here are some random pics of the other zoo animals in their natural habitat.
Thanks for the visit guys! God's blessing on you and your family! We will pray for His hand in your life.