I'm now officially a father! I have a one week old beautiful baby boy named James! We named him after my father who died many years ago. Every day brings the miraculous realization that God has trusted this precious little life into my hands. Before James was even born I was able to focus on the fact that James is really God's precious child and my wife and I am his care takers. This helps me to remember that ultimately God will love and protect my son with perfection. I can trust that God will guide and grow my son with his power and grace.

A few days ago I was sitting outside holding James and we were soaking up some sunlight. He was on my lap all sprawled out with only his diaper on. As we enjoyed the warmth of the sun I told him many things. I have been talking to him all the time because I want him to know my voice and enjoy it. I was telling him about all the great things we will do together someday, like play in the yard, or throw the ball to each other, or chase each other around. We can go hiking and go out for ice-cream.

Imagine what it would be like though if at one week old I tried to play catch with him or feed him ice-cream. The ball would hit him in the head because he isn't ready to use his arms to catch. The ice-cream would make him sick because his tummy isn't ready to digest it. I would be a bad father. A good father waits till the timing is right.

I'm sure when James gets older he will want all sorts of things and I will want him to try all sorts of things but, I will wait for the right timing. Even though he may not understand, I will wait for when it is best for him.

What is that thing you want really bad right now? What is it that you just can't wait to accomplish, or some place you just can't wait to be? Maybe, there is something you are anxious to be over with, or ready for a difficult situation to pass.

What if the timing isn't right? Can you trust that God is a good father who has good timing with his children?

God knows what is best for us. He has perfect timing and even though it is hard for us to understand he knows what's best. If I gave in or pushed my son into things he wasn't ready for it would harm him, hurt him, discourage him, or rob him of true joy. God knows the benefits of his timing and we must trust that. You and I need to believe that God's timing is better then ours, and we need to rest in that.

I believe that much like my moment with my son God at times has us on his lap telling us about all the wonderful things he has in store for us, but only when we are ready for them. He tells us it will be here soon enough, and it will be worth the wait.

""For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." (Jer. 29:11,13)

- Josh