Lessons from My Daughter

10 Spiritual Lessons from My Daughter

By Michael Kress

I recently completed a five-week paternity leave to care for my baby daughter, Adira. When my wife, Stephanie, returned to work, I decided to take the time off to be a full-time parent, however briefly. The weeks flew by quickly, even as individual days unfolded slowly, lacking the structure that defines most of our lives--no alarm clocks, train schedules, work hours. During that time, I focused on Adira--who was five months old at the time--and little else. But just as importantly, I learned some lessons from her. Click through my gallery to read about those lessons, and to get a glimpse of the beautiful child I have the privilege of raising.

Click here to read the lessons I learned from my daughter.

Be Flexible with Your Plans

On the final weekday of my leave--the last "day off"--I planned to go to a beautiful riverside park near our home. Adira and I would lounge around on the grass, she'd do her signature (only) move--rolling over--I'd take some great photos, I'd have the kind of quality afternoon I can't have regularly while working. Comes that Friday, and it's 90 degrees out for the first time this summer, the first time in Adira's life. She's cranky, and seems to find little joy in the outing, which I duly cut short. Back in the bliss of our air-conditioned living room, however, Adira comes alive, cooing, smiling, and having a grand old time rolling around our floor and playing in her exer-saucer. Memories made, photos taken--just not in the way I expected it.