Slow Down...Please!

Just last week, we celebrated my daughter's eighth birthday. I remember, like it was yesterday, holding her for the first time. Praying; "Lord, please help me be a great father and guide me in raising her and please, Jesus, let her come to know you." I remember thinking about how fast it was going to go, but never could have imagined it would seem this fast. Tara and I had decided when our daughter was about two months old that we would wait until she was eight to have her ears pierced. At the time it seemed like a lifetime away. And yet, it was one night just last month I was walking toward my daughter's room to tuck her in and overheard her conversation with Tara. They were talking about earrings. As I walked into the room, I asked with a smile "What are you two discussing earrings for, you're not getting your ears pierced until you're..." Then it dawned on me. I knew she was about to turn eight, but didn't realize she was about to turn eight!
A couple of weeks later, we took the entire family to witness the ear piercing and then for our traditional birthday ice cream outing. As I stood there watching her hold tightly to Tara's hand, I couldn't help but grow slightly sad. If these eight years went that fast, how much faster are the next eight going to go? To further complicate my feelings, eight years from right now, she'll be the age her mom was when we started dating. I'm definitely not ready for that! How the memories started to rush in. Instantly, I started to remember so many things we've done together, the special moments, the milestones, the laughter, even the tears! At that moment, they served as yet another reminder of how important it is to make the days count. They are numbered. And, although the years will fly by, we have control of the days that make up those years! God's amazing! He has answered our prayer so many times over. If these next eight years are even half as wonderful as the first, it will be pretty awesome! Sure, these next eight years will have their own set of challenges, difficulties, but, also their own beautiful moments.
I really do wish there was a way to slow time down. But, looking back with as little regret as possible, will be far more valuable than seemingly more time. In the meantime, I will continue to ask God to help me, do my best, to make the most of each day.