Posted on July 22, 2010 at 7:49am.
Returned from two weeks of college tours and time at the beach - what a gift! When the girls were unplugged from their Ipods we had some amazing conversations, as well as some rip-roaring laughter - often at my expense. They are both pretty witty, and ensure that their dad gets away with absolutely nothing. Our lives are about to change this year, Em leaves for England in September, and Meg heads off to New Zealand in January - so every hour we get as a family right now is heightened in its enjoyment. God used my family to speak peace to my heart. Then sitting by the waters edge for a week reading mysteries and indulging on local feasts at night was literally life giving too. I enjoyed what “IS” in life for a bit, and allowed what “IS NOT” to have its proper place. Grateful to the Counselor who breathed truth into this old soul, and dependent upon Him this day to remain in this place.
Posted on July 1, 2010 at 6:02pm.
I am so very grateful today. I am a blessed man, blessed in so many ways. Sometimes I refrain from “public” expressions of gratitude because it seems insensitive to others who are not experiencing much joy. I know, because I’ve been there. And will, no doubt, be there again. I am blessed, and not because I did or deserve anything. When my girls tell me they deserve something they know what my response will be before it leaves my mouth - “You deserve Hell, but God gave grace”. I often look at my life through the lens of what is not, what is not right, not obedient, not good. But today I am grateful for what is. I am not the man I was 10 years ago, or even last year for that matter - that’s a good thing. I have a wife who actually adores me - go figure! And I still get excited thinking about spending the rest of my life with her. I have two daughters who captured my heart from day 1, but who are a complete blast as young women. I have a few close friends who love me - what a gift they are. All of this in addition to my relationship with Jesus. It really doesn’t get any better than this.
Posted on June 28, 2010 at 10:50am.
The well keeps depleting. I am pushing toward some time outside of Charlotte. I have been away a lot this year, and even recently, at several great conferences/retreats, but nothing quite fills me like being unplugged from responsibilities. And there is something supernatural about the beach for me. I am pushing, working hard to get to that place. So much of the past few months has been about “quick fixes”, time here, and time there to refill the well inside me. It seems like I have just gotten enough to make it through the next hurdle - but there is no depth to draw from. Looking forward to deeper filling as my soul finds rest next month!
Posted on June 14, 2010 at 9:07am.
I ran this past weekend with my Saturday running buddy of some 15 plus years. Saturday was a big day for the both of us. Brian was giving his daughter away in marriage, and I was about to witness my first daughter graduate from high school. Two old guys hobbling through a few miles on a hot humid day commenting on the obvious - how fast time passes. Our family has always been a half a step behind Brian’s, and it is both exciting and heart stopping to see what the future holds. It was a heavy, but good day. Brian waxed eloquently as he commented that “I was closing a chapter in my family history, he was closing a volume”. Later that day, I watched over the bride’s shoulder as her dad experienced that volume close.
Posted on June 7, 2010 at 8:02am.
Sometimes it takes others misfortune to breath perspective into our lives. Lately, I have been wrestling with a lot internally - and then last Wednesday I received a phone call that put my woes in perspective. One of our families from church lost their husband/father. He celebrated his 50th birthday on Monday, and was gone on Wednesday. His life is perfect now. But the lives of so many who loved him have been changed forever. I pray today that this dear family would know the presence of Christ in an undeniable way. It makes me look at what I am dealing with - and says “get a grip!”. Life is short - let’s try and love well today.
