I got home just after 9 tonight – about an hour after the kids are normally in bed. I still ran upstairs before even taking off my shoes and quickly ran into Ella’s room to kiss her already-sound-asleep forehead as I promised her I would when they came to visit me earlier this afternoon at the church office. She didn’t stir even a little bit – something she’s known for in our family. I pulled her covers back up to snug her into her remain hours of sleep and quietly tip-toed out of her room.

Then I went into Ezra’s room. Mr. “Light Sleeper” as we sometimes refer to him, was out cold. He’s been sleeping much better these last few weeks since we upgraded him to a big-boy bed (the bottom bunk of a set of bunk beds and a comfy twin mattress). As I crouched down to fit myself over him to kiss him without smashing my head into the top-bunk I was just over his face when he did his signature scare-me-to-death move and opened his eyes wide just as I was leaning in to kiss his forehead. I almost passed out.

He focused for about a half-second before acknowledging that it was me as he said, “Hi Daddy!”, and quickly unwrapped his arms from their covered-state and put them around my neck and asked, “Will you pray with me, Daddy?” to which I obliged without hesitation. When I said “Amen” he rolled back over and was out again before I could get out of the room I’m sure.

I still can’t believe God has entrusted these two incredible children to the likes of me! (Their mother is MUCH more capable!) I am SO grateful for the privilege of being their daddy!

Ezra was on a counting-kick the other day when I made this video: