Ummmm....
Has anyone heard that I'm going to be having a baby soon? A boy! Which means I, Josh Johnson, am going to be a FATHER?!?! Doesn't that scare you...cuz I'm pretty sure I have no clue what's going on. I know that in three months we're going to have a little guy running around, permanently! I'm honestly scared to death, and excited all at the same time.
What I'm scared of:
1. Changing Diappers...seiously and with a boy coming, I get the smell of poop AND a fire hose with no warning-Double Whammy!
2. Crying: Don't like it...at any age, and when a baby cries for a reason I can't figure out, I'm certain I'll lose it.
3. late nights: I don't fall asleep early, but when I do, I want to stay asleep...I don't do interruptions well and learning is hard for me too.
4. Keeping a human alive: for a couple of years...YEARS this kid's survival depends on me! Scary thought, I barely keep myself alive...Is anyone else scared, I'm scared, and you should be too.
5. Fathering a Boy (Is that phrase correct?): I know boys are easier, I'm one too, but with flaws. I'm not wanting to raise a "perfect" boy/man, I just want to raise a good man...godly, self-sufficient, mature, brave, chivalrous, a leader, etc.
6. Being a Husband, Father, and Minister (surrogat Father to lots of teenagers) all at the same time!
7. Teaching my son to love himself and others.
8. Teaching my son to submitt to God.
9. Being a team player with my wife. I like the way I do things...most of the time. Neena and I are a good team with each other, now there's a kid and WEEEEEEEEEE have to raise it together.
10. Teaching my son to "be" better than me...
11. losing him too soon.
12....There are many more, but those are the ones that I keep thinking about, almost daily.
Lessons I know:
1. This is not my son, He belongs to God
2. life changes alot...and fast. I'll assume the same applies to parenting.
3. I'm the adult.
4. Love...always, no matter what.
5. Actions have consequences, both good and bad, and my son needs to know, beyond a shaddow of a doubt, If I do _____, _____ will happen.
6. As hard as it will be, I will let my kid fall so he can pick himself up (metaphorically).
7. Along with #6...I will be there standing beside him, at all times, showing him the way.
8. I will teach my son to tell the truth...but I realize that not everything he says will BE the TRUTH. I wish more parents would learn that one.
9. God has a sense of humor...and it will probably bite me in the butt.
10. Life will move way too fast, cherish each moment...TAKE LOTS OF PICTURES.
So yes I'm scared, VERY SCARED. I want to be a really good dad. I know God made this little guy, hand picked him, just for Neena and I, so we have what it takes. I also know that, "having what it takes" will require some learning. God help me, help my wife, help my son. May we be a GREAT family! Surround us, lead us...give us opportunities to have faith in your plan. THANK YOU for my son, this very precious gift. Thank you for finding me worthy to raise a man, part of your creation. Father, Bless him. AMEN!
----
In some cultures, instead of giving gifts, those who have "been there" impart wisdom on the expecting parents. What a concept. If there is anything you know about parenting a first child, a boy, etc. I'm all ears. Oh, and pray for us, my wife, my son...they have a flawed husband and dad, and could REALLY use God's help;).
More to come!
What I'm scared of:
1. Changing Diappers...seiously and with a boy coming, I get the smell of poop AND a fire hose with no warning-Double Whammy!
2. Crying: Don't like it...at any age, and when a baby cries for a reason I can't figure out, I'm certain I'll lose it.
3. late nights: I don't fall asleep early, but when I do, I want to stay asleep...I don't do interruptions well and learning is hard for me too.
4. Keeping a human alive: for a couple of years...YEARS this kid's survival depends on me! Scary thought, I barely keep myself alive...Is anyone else scared, I'm scared, and you should be too.
5. Fathering a Boy (Is that phrase correct?): I know boys are easier, I'm one too, but with flaws. I'm not wanting to raise a "perfect" boy/man, I just want to raise a good man...godly, self-sufficient, mature, brave, chivalrous, a leader, etc.
6. Being a Husband, Father, and Minister (surrogat Father to lots of teenagers) all at the same time!
7. Teaching my son to love himself and others.
8. Teaching my son to submitt to God.
9. Being a team player with my wife. I like the way I do things...most of the time. Neena and I are a good team with each other, now there's a kid and WEEEEEEEEEE have to raise it together.
10. Teaching my son to "be" better than me...
11. losing him too soon.
12....There are many more, but those are the ones that I keep thinking about, almost daily.
Lessons I know:
1. This is not my son, He belongs to God
2. life changes alot...and fast. I'll assume the same applies to parenting.
3. I'm the adult.
4. Love...always, no matter what.
5. Actions have consequences, both good and bad, and my son needs to know, beyond a shaddow of a doubt, If I do _____, _____ will happen.
6. As hard as it will be, I will let my kid fall so he can pick himself up (metaphorically).
7. Along with #6...I will be there standing beside him, at all times, showing him the way.
8. I will teach my son to tell the truth...but I realize that not everything he says will BE the TRUTH. I wish more parents would learn that one.
9. God has a sense of humor...and it will probably bite me in the butt.
10. Life will move way too fast, cherish each moment...TAKE LOTS OF PICTURES.
So yes I'm scared, VERY SCARED. I want to be a really good dad. I know God made this little guy, hand picked him, just for Neena and I, so we have what it takes. I also know that, "having what it takes" will require some learning. God help me, help my wife, help my son. May we be a GREAT family! Surround us, lead us...give us opportunities to have faith in your plan. THANK YOU for my son, this very precious gift. Thank you for finding me worthy to raise a man, part of your creation. Father, Bless him. AMEN!
----
In some cultures, instead of giving gifts, those who have "been there" impart wisdom on the expecting parents. What a concept. If there is anything you know about parenting a first child, a boy, etc. I'm all ears. Oh, and pray for us, my wife, my son...they have a flawed husband and dad, and could REALLY use God's help;).
More to come!
posted by Josh at
11:17 PM
12 Comments:
You want to be a great father, try being a great person. You want to teach your boy to be a good man, try being honest yourself. You talk crap about being a great christian but you sure don’t act like one.
You talk about being scared and you should be. You gotta lot to learn about being a good human being.
You wrote:
just want to raise a good man...godly, self-sufficient, mature, brave, chivalrous, a leader, etc.
I’m telling you man, you gotta be these things if you plan on teaching your boy to be them. Godly, try talking less about your stuff and what you own and how great you are. Try being more of a christian instead of just acting like one. You talk all the time about how a christian should love everyone. You don't always act like you love everyone. Self-sufficient, you only hang with people that stroke your ego or give you stuff. You talk all the time about all the stuff you have. Be sure your God ain’t your stuff. Mature, if people don’t agree with you, you turn you back on them and walk away. Then man you talk smack about them and try to get everyone else mad at them just cuz they don’t agree with you.
Brave, face reality man. Be honest, tell the truth. You’ve been running from the truth for a long time. Why don’t you try being brave and acting like a real man. Telling lies doesn’t make you a great person, it just makes you a liar. Leader, you like to be in charge but you don’t like to do the work but your sure first to take the credit for everything.
I read your piece about pride and dude, your the one that’s full of it. I thought you said God should get the glory but you seem to love it when "Josh" gets the glory. You talk about how your pride has gotten in the way of your relationships. Have you ever noticed you are never wrong. You had friends from way back that you don’t talk with anymore. You let a lot of your kids down. You got a sister you don’t even know. You stand up in front of church and talk about what a great guy you are and how you’ve been blessed then talk smack about your parents. You talk about how hard you work but mostly all you do is talk about yourself. What you gotta do is become the man you talk about. Your right, you are flawed. We all are. But you keep on acting the way you are and you wont be the great family you want to be. Your boy just may grow up to be just like you and man your not gonna like that.
What’s the first thing you going to do after reading this, delete it cuz you don’t want anyone to read about the REAL you. Sorry to come down on you so hard, but you gotta face reality. You’ve spent so many years dishing the crap and its gonna come back to bite you hard. Sure hope you take the challenge and get what it takes so you can become the man you want your boy to be.
I'm not a parent who can impart wisdom, but here is what I liked about your post. You are confident and scared all at the same time. I think those are two things that make a good parent. People who assume they know everything about raising a kid and aren't scared at all don't have much room for improving their "techniques" and aren't able to accept much help/advice. I think that the healthy fear you have will make you a better dad. Don't be too hard on yourself. :) We're praying blessings on you and Neena as you prepare during this very overwhelming time.
I agree with Robby and Lynsey. The fact that you're scared is a good thing. Being responsible for a life is a huge responsibility and it shows that you are not taking it lightly.
Just remember, none of us parents knew what we were doing the first time around. We were just like you relying on God and loving family and friends to help us. Plus, I bet you'll be surprised to find out how much just comes naturally...especially when they are newborns.
We love you and Neena very much. We're praying for you and will help you in any way you need. You're going to do great!
Love y'all!
Hello "annonymous"
You seem to want me to be real and a man and yet you didn't even sign your own name to your response.
You seem to know an awful lot about me and yet I don't know if I know you. I appreciate your comments, and all that you think you know. Please feel free to contact me: josh@canyonchurch.org and you and I can futher discuss your issues with me.
In the future, If you're going to be so bold as to slam me...at least sign your name. Thank you, annonymous and (honestly) may God grant you peace and richly bless your life.
Nice post. I love the transparency.
I would love to see the list from the baby Neena is carrying, I wonder what dozen things your child is scared of as he prepares to enter into this world. Maybe some of the same things:
1. Changing diappers--will mom and dad get to it soon enough.
2. Crying--it really hurts my lungs and gives me a headache, but is the only way I can communicate right now.
3. Late nights--where is everybody? Why is is so quiet and dark?
4. Who's gonna feed me, protect me, love me?
5. Boys, girls, mothers, fathers...what do they expect from me, what do I expect from them?
6. Hey, why is dad spending time with other kids? or Cool, more kids to play with!
7. So much to learn, how will I learn it all?
8. More teaching? Does it ever stop?
9. Relationships. What is that all about?
10. Here we go again with the teaching/learning thing.
11. What happens when I have to be on my own? I don't want to loose my parents.
12. Okay, must re-position...get ready mom, I'm about to move in your tummy.
See you all soon.
Josh, congrats to you and Neena! I can't wait to see the baby. Knowing you and Neena, I know you will make GREAT parents! Isn't this the first grandchild? I bet the grandparents have already gone crazy buying stuff for this little guy. See ya soon!
I've been at the parenting thing for 3 years now and I have to tell you that so many of your fears are still mine as well. I still have so very many days where I wake up and think that I have no idea what I'm doing. From what I've heard that's just the way it goes. My advice to you is this: Immerse yourself in EVERY moment; every moment of pregnancy, every moment of labor and delivery and every moment of your child's life. Because it all goes so fast and there aren't any moments, even the hard ones and the ones where you feel like you are going to lose your mind, that aren't worth cherishing, that aren't the best moments. Parenthood is the greatest adventure I've ever had. It's hard, it's sleep-deprived, it's scary and uncertain but it is joyous and funny and thrilling and rewarding. And I just know without any doubt whatsoever that you and Neena are going to be incredible parents.
You and Neena are going to be such great parents! You are already showing that baby what it takes to be a mature christian when there are so many people in the world who get joy out of bringing others down. I have a lot to say to some of these "anonymous" people but I'm going to try and follow your lead and be a little nicer than I'd like to be! :) I will be checking in to see what other parenting advice you receive b/c I know we will be needing it soon too! Have a great week! Ya'll are in my prayers!
As the soon to be best aunt ever, i am quite aware that this baby boy is blessed to have you and Neena as parents and of course me as an aunt. Can i say that? Although i am not a parent yet, thank God, I don't have much advice to bestow on you. I do know that you and Neena will be amazing parents. You are so much fun to be around and i know you will make many amazing "memories" with your baby boy. I can't wait to see your relationship grow over the years and the person Brodee becomes. I pretty much love you and am so happy for the two of you. Thank you for finally giving me a nephew. Its about freakin time! (I, as well, have words for this anonymous character.)
Im going to feed your kid lots of sugar!
From one anonymous to another. You must have just woken up from about a ten year nap or something and your beard has grown into your brain. Because the guy you described does not exist anymore. You must have been on the wrong blog and are talking about a different Josh because this one sure isn't like the one you described. I forgive you for your mistaken identity. Sure this Josh isn't Jesus incarnate. This Josh is a sinner seeking to walk in the the footsteps of the One who died for him and forgave him. This Josh has taken on life as it has come his way and has done an incredible job of being a man for God. If you don't know this Josh I recommend you taking the time to and you will discover someone greatly different than the one you described.
the old guy
Hey Josh - I don't have any advice to impart, but just wanted to say I really appreciated this blog post. Also, I think the simple fact that you are so conscious/aware of and thinking about everything this journey entails, is actually the first step towards being an awesome parent. Too many people decide to have kids, without thinking about all the demands and life-changes a child brings with them. I've heard people say "Parenting is the toughest job you'll ever love." But isn't it true that everything that is worthwhile in this life, takes hard work. You're gonna be a great dad (and Neena - a great mom)!
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