Today I had the privilege of getting in my car and driving to work today. Now, I realize that for most of you that sounds about as obvious as saying, “Hey, I breathed oxygen today”. However, since moving to Sandpoint to pastor Hidden Valley Worship Center a year ago I have been working out of my house. We have now finished the new sanctuary and church offices and I finally have a place to concentrate-something that is difficult for me to do-and a place to get work done.

Working out of the house was a challenge to say the least. Besides having things scattered throughout the house and in various closets we have two children under the age of two and I had to find little moments to focus in between Judah and Elli’s temper tantrums and sugar highs-as well as my own. I’m not sure who is more excited about my office being completed, me, because I have a place free of noise, or my wife, because she can have a house free of office clutter.

Regardless, I was a bit sad driving to work today. In spite of all of the distractions of working at home it has been an absolute joy to be home since the day my daughter was born and for the past year of my son’s life. I got to see Judah learn new skills and stumble through the beginning stages of learning how to communicate. I also was fortunate enough to see Elliana roll over, smile, laugh, crawl, and stand for the first time-things I didn’t get to see Judah do because I was working in an office when he did them. A completed office means I will probably miss Elli’s first steps. But, I can’t complain. Most dads never get a year’s worth of observation like I did. I also got to see what a stay at home mother deals with on a daily basis which is something I wish every husband could experience.

One thing I am looking forward to, though, is getting to have the kids yell, “Daddys home!!!” when I walk through the door. I expect hugs and kisses!