Oliver Sixteen years ago I became a dad. What an i n c r e d i b l e e x p e r i e n c e . Being there for the birth of our first child, then two years later for our second child, is an experience I will never forget. Just saying the words, "I am a dad," brought joy to my heart. Then came the time when our baby mouthed the words "da." Even though others might not have known he was talking to me, I knew!

Throughout the years parenting has its ups and downs. After the first few years there were times I felt inconvenienced by my two. At times, just wanting to come home, sit down, relax and read the newspaper, I got interrupted by one "kid" or another wanting this or that. Many dads know the feeling. I've been working all day and I just want to relax a minute (really, for the rest of the evening).

Yet, somewhere along the line something happened. I began to realize how quick the years were going by. I began to think about how soon they would be out of the house...in college...gone. At this point, while I cherish the time my wife and I have together (although somewhat limited at the moment), I do not look forward to when the kids are gone. I must confess, I love being a dad.

Two lives precious to God and full of potential. God has given me the awesome privilege of trying to show them His love and teaching them His ways. The day will come when ready or not they will fly out of the nest and move onto the things of adult life. All things in its time. But for now, I want to do all I can to make the most of the moment. I have such a long way to go to becoming the best parent I can be, but God willing, they will remember all the things we did together and that no matter what, dad loves them very much!

Dads, let me encourage you. Don't miss the moment with your children. They're precious. They're awesome! Give yourself to them. Go home tonight, look them straight in the eye and tell them how much you love them. Or maybe sit down and write them a letter telling them all the things about them that you love and appreciate. You'll blow them away! Be a mentor to some of the most important people in the world-your kids! You won't regret the outcome. God bless!

Brent Oliver is pastor at First Assembly of God in Delphi.