There’s this place along a stretch of highway that we used to drive through frequently that claimed to have “Foot-Hi Pies!” Now, anyone who knows me knows that when I’m presented with the question of Cake or Pie, my answer is, Yes. I like my cake topped with pie…a la mode. But, I have a confession to make….

We’ve never stopped for foot high pie.

It’s true. And I really can’t give you a good reason why. I mean, I can tell you the reasons we convinced ourselves were good, but none of them are really that good. Because honestly, what is a good reason to forego foot high pie?

The point is, if you drive across the country, without looking out the window to enjoy the view, you will miss some pretty incredible opportunities. Think about all the beautiful, magestic, awe-inspiring life experiences you would miss….like Foot-Hi Pie!!

And that’s what I’m learning with fatherhood. It’s so easy for me to make the claims:

“Well, I’ll be happy when all the kids sleep through the night.”

“Things will be great once all the kids can dress themselves.”

“Man, I’m just trying to make it to where I don’t have to wipe anyone else’s butt anymore.”

Ok, I’d be lying if I didn’t still agree with that last one. But the fact remains, I don’t want to miss the major joys of every stage because I get hung up the minor discomforts. Seriously, who needs a full 8 hours of sleep anyway?

I’ve come to the realization that all the seasoned parents who have and are continuing to invest so much wisdom into our lives, our spot on. It goes by faster than you can really imagine, and as a working dad, it feels like it’s moving at light speed. 2018 is the year that Noah will begin kindergarten….and I cried a little just typing that sentence.

When it comes to the parenthood road trip, I’m done getting frustrated with the detours, road blocks, construction, and traffic. I realize that all of those seeming frustrations actually give me more time to interact with the people who are in the car with me on this journey through life. And what a true blessing that is. So, I admittedly will not be perfect at this, but from now on, I choose to pause in the midst of those trying times, and enjoy the journey…

Along with some Foot-Hi Pie.

-T