Love Expanded

The day I became a dad was one of the greatest moments of my life. On November 3, 2000, we welcomed Jackson Parker Kinney into the world.  From the moment I held him I was his.  I remember in that instant, I felt so much love for one person that I thought I would explode.  I was going to teach him everything.  We were going to play catch, go fishing, and wrestle.  I soon realized that I would have to wait a few years for those things to happen, but you get the picture.  I could not imagine loving anyone the way I loved that boy.  

Then along came Samuel Alan Kinney.  He came into the world much different.  As Jack was born, he looked like the movie star baby.  With a head full of hair a tan color and beautiful, he looked perfect.  Sam, however, looked different.  Cheesy and white, he looked like he had just been on the losing end of a twelve round prize fight.  It didn't matter to me what he looked like, in that moment, the love that I had for Jack was not split in half for Sam, but my capacity was doubled.  He was night and day different than his brother, but I loved him just as much.

Now we have welcomed little Charlie into our family.  On September 1, he came screaming into the world.  I thought there was no way I could find a way to love this little boy like the two incredible boys God has already given me, but I have.  All the wonders of making the right decision were quickly expelled as my wife and I began to meet this precious gift.  Now our family is complete.  Jackson, Samuel, and Charlie are the loves of our lives and Haley and I would not have it any other way.

When I think about the love I have for these boys, it reminds me of how much God loves us.  With billions of children on the planet, God doesn't split up His love among us but expands His love to accommodate each arrival.  He's known us since before we were formed and He loves us unconditionally.  No matter what we have done or what we will do, He will never stop.

As a dad now I get it.  That's why I feel like God loves me more than anyone and I guess so should you.  So remember, you are loved with all the love that God has within Him.  He has reserved a special place in His heart just for you.  Whether you are the "perfect baby" or have a few bumps, you are His, and He would not have it any other way.