As I approach my son's first birthday, I wanted to take a minute and put to words my thoughts on being a father. It is amazing. Having a child is one of the most rewarding and exhilarating experiences I have ever had. I would surmise that there is nothing that can compare, now or in the eternities, to the joy of fatherhood. It was not an easy decision to make to start our family. My wife came to me after we had been married for about a month and asked when we were going to have a kid. I had not ever seriously thought about the prospect, thinking that waiting for a year or two at least was acceptable, or perhaps after I finished my undergrad and had some direction in life. After a few months I finally was convinced (by myself, Melia, and God's inspired council) that putting off having kids was not something I should continue doing. In some ways, the decision to have our first kid was not so much inspired as it was simply getting on with follow the counsel of living prophets. Time and time again I was told, both in visiting with and hearing General Authorities that blessings will come if I start my family and put aside the "glories of the world” and the potential “fun” that I could have while still just a married couple. In some ways I feel like I have given up time, opportunities, and "free time" to be a father. Truth is, there is not any other way I see myself spending my time. I still have to finish school, but I can continue to support my family while being a good dad even at this stage of life. I have to work hard to get a career, and being a father has made me more capable to do it well and want to succeed in my chosen field. My finances are not ideal by the world's standard, but God has blessed us to have what we need when we need it. I scoffed originally at the idea that it was the right thing to have a kid at my stage in life. It is the only decision I could have made. I could have waited, but I am so glad that I did not. Elliot is amazing.
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