My Birthday Gift

 

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It's hard work to be a good dad. It's a hard core dedicated, extreme makeover type of a adventure. I'm stretched daily, sometimes hourly and I'm never the same man I was when I woke up that particular morning. The seven talented, unique individuals that God has loaned me have forever changed the man I thought I was going to be.

I remember a line from a song Franky sang...mistakes, I made a few...I cringe when I think of them. Yet, they gave opportunity for me to become humbler, less hard in my approach...as I asked for forgiveness from my children. We spend a lot of time talking in my family and even greater time listening...probably the hardest work of all. My wife and I have invested hours in this great act of love and the dividends are rich.

Yes, my work as a Dad is hard, costly and pushes me to the limit of who I need to be for them. It's also deeply satisfying, wonderfully enjoyable and blesses me continuously. This past Monday my family celebrated my birthday with wonderful words of affirmation. My wife Christine, my kids Josh, Sarah, Matthew, Michael, Daniel, Isaac, and Becky filled cards and notes with sweet reminders of who they see me as...I was overwhelmed.

I shared these hesitantly...believe me I am not bragging about how great of a Dad I am...no, I'm still a work in progress. Remember all the hard work I mentioned, the investing? It's ALL worth it...all the time spent, all the hours listening, talking sharing, imparting...forgiving and being forgiven. I share these snippets of my life to encourage you to stay at it, stay engaged in the lives of your kids, purpose yourself into their hearts...don't ever give up.

What my Kids said...(these were posted on Facebook)

True Men are a rarity, true fathers are even more rare. Happy Birthday Dad,thank you for being both to me! - Josh

56 years ago the man I hope to be like was born. He is my hero, my greatest coach, but most importantly my Dad, I love you Dad, happy birthday!! - Matt

Happy Birthday Dad! Thanks for being the best Dad ever. - Michael

And from my Daughter Sarah...a blog post she wrote to bless me. You can read it here

"Be careful to obey all these regulations I am giving you, so that it may always go well with you and your children after you, because you will be doing what is good and right in the eyes of the LORD your God." Deuteronomy 12:28

My job is not done...neither is yours... Blessings, Jay

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Comments

Dusty Rayburn said…
Keep on reflecting His light and the work He is doing in you as a Father, a Husband, and one of His own.
TCAvey said…
Happy Birthday Jay!

I love Ol' Blue Eyes and I too cringe when I think of the mistakes I've made, thank God I am saved by Grace!
Michael said…
I exult with you, my friend, in the rich grace of God--and His wisdom--that brought you to this marvelous place in life! By your life and the lives of your wife and children, may a multitude of others be blessed and encouraged that ours is a God of redemption, recovering what was lost and righting what has gone wrong. Glory to God in the highest!!!
Jay Cookingham said…
I am a blessed man and the gifts that Father God has given me continues to bless me. Thanks Michael!
Jay Cookingham said…
Grace is a great thing to be grateful for! Old Blue Eyes as well. Thank you TC!
bill (cycleguy) said…
No offense taken by sharing these Jay.  We know your heart is not one of pompous arrogance or tooting your own horn. Your children know that and testify to that.  My mom used to use the Scripture: "I have no greater joy than to know my children walk in truth" to carry her along. Blessings my friend.  
Jay Cookingham said…
I do my brother...I am such a work in progress but I'm thankful I'm in His hands! Bless ya!
Thomas Mason said…
For some reason this line stood out to me..."purpose yourself into their hearts". The hearts of our children is the goal.  When you have their hearts, your influence in their lives is great.
Jay Cookingham said…
Yes so true! We have to be intentional in winning their hearts. Appreciate you dropping by bro'!
jasonS said…
I love your transparency and persistence, Jay. I know I try to take every opportunity to "rise up and call" my parents (both physical and spiritual) blessed. It is good for them and good for me! Wonderful post. Thank you.
Jay Cookingham said…
I just talked to my spiritual dad the other night...he always takes the time to tell me how proud he is of me. I called to encourage him and he reversed it again...I love that man. Thanks Jason for adding your take!
floyd said…
What a legacy God is building in you. May His blessing continue upon your family. Thanks for sharing your life and heart. It is encouraging and inspiring.
Jay Cookingham said…
Thanks Floyd, I am a blessed man for sure. Thanks for the encouraging words my brother!
Joanne Norton said…
So happy for you, Jay.  A true blessing, believe me.  Nearly teary on my part.
Jay Cookingham said…
Thanks Joanne....bless you!
I'm the one that's got to die when it's time for me to die, so let me live my life the way I want to.
Jay Cookingham said…
Ummm, not sure what you mean SGP but nobody is telling you how to live your life. However, a parent needs to stay engaged in the life of their kids!

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