Fifteen Years Ago Today

Fifteen years ago today, I became a dad. I guess I “officially” became a dad nine months earlier. But according to a certificate I got from McComb, Mississippi, I became a dad a decade and a half ago.

Fifteen years ago today, I was pastoring in Amite, Louisiana where God gave me the privilege to serve for nearly five years.

Fifteen years ago today, I was halfway through the PhD program at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. I was consuming myself with books on preaching.

Fifteen years ago today, Katie was a fourth grade teacher at Oak Forrest Academy there in Amite.

Fifteen years ago today, Katie and I had been married a whopping five years. Man, were we mature and ready for a child!

Fifteen years ago today, I learned just how tough my wife really is. She can tolerate more pain than any woman (human) I know. I am glad God didn’t make me a woman. I couldn’t handle it.

Fifteen years ago today, my parents were in Ecuador telling Quechua Indians about Jesus. We shared by phone their second grandchild had arrived.

Fifteen years ago today, my in-laws drove through the night – from Birmingham to McComb in separate cars – to enjoy this celebration with us.

Fifteen years ago today, I received texts and calls on my flip phone from church members, friends, and family members wanting updates and sharing congratulations.

Fifteen years ago today, I had experienced my last good night of sleep . . . forever.

Fifteen years ago today, I learned that, with boys, you better get a diaper over things real quick. If not, a “water” fountain will quickly emerge from the changing table.

Fifteen years ago today, I learned it was possible to deeply love someone you had just met.

Fifteen years ago today, I learned having a healthy child was a miraculous work that included so many variables beyond my control.

Fifteen years ago today, I had yet to learn that a baby could cry as loud and long and often as this one.

Fifteen years ago today, I didn’t know it was possible for a baby, toddler, child, and now teenager to get by on such little sleep.

Fifteen years ago today, I would have never imagined a child who would be so much like me, his mom, and his own unique self.

Fifteen years ago today, I would not have known how a child can remind me so much of God in how He loves to create and wow His children.

Fifteen years ago today, I would have never dreamed I would be as proud as I am of this child who made me a dad.

Fifteen years ago today, I thought I knew how to be a parent.

Fifteen years later, I am beyond thrilled to be Luke Pearson‘s dad. I still don’t know how to be a parent, but I sure am glad he makes me one.

Fifteen years later, I see the faithfulness of God in all things.

What about you? Where were you on May 18th, 2005? What are 15 ways God has shown Himself faithful throughout the past decade and a half?