April 8, 2007
Recently I was thinking about the term “institutionalized” and how it relates to the predominate form of Christianity as practiced here in the West. One of the uses of the word references individuals who have been incarcerated the majority of their lives. In this context it is meant to describe the process of becoming so accustomed to life in prison that it is difficult to resume normal life and relate to others outside the walls of the institution (prison in this case).
I believe there is an application here for those of us who have been “spiritually reared” in institutional church. Can one become impacted in such a way, through emersion in institutional church life, that the result is certain undesirable effects that actually run contradictory to the simplicity of devotion to Jesus and reflecting his likeness? Unfortunately, I have found this not only to be possible, but true.
One such potential negative impact of institutional church is that of making people religious. By religious, I mean the process and result of which one becomes disingenuous, unauthentic, pretentious, self-righteous, judgmental and unapproachable. Not a very attractive list of characteristics, nor, none of which, are thought highly of by Jesus.
Often inherent in the system and structure of church life is an underlying pressure to perform, much like an actor playing a role. There is this explicit or implicit standard by which “spirituality” is defined and by which everyone’s life is measured against. So, to make sure we are accepted, we perform. We play the part. We “act” spiritual. And because institutional church is typically weak relationally, it is easy to “act” the part and nobody knows the difference, or even worse, cares to know the difference.
The emersion into institutional church life can also have the effect of leaving many Christians feeling uncomfortable and awkward in relating to non-Christians. I personally struggled with this issue for years.
This begs the question for all of us who call ourselves Christians. Are we more “institutionalized” than authentic followers of Christ? Is our life marked more by a religious mind set and behavior than by a likeness to Jesus? And for all of us who make up institutional Christianity, are we making authentic disciples of Jesus or institutional Christians?
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are.” Matt. 23:15
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Being with Jesus
March 15, 2007
In one of the gospel accounts there is a story of Jesus visiting the home of two sisters Mary and Martha. While Martha busied herself preparing a meal for Jesus and his disciples, Mary was sitting at Jesus’ feet intently listening to his every word. Martha, becoming exasperated with her sister said something of the following to Jesus, “I could really use some help here in the kitchen, seeing I’m the only one trying to prepare a meal!”. Jesus’ response, I’m sure, caught Martha off guard. He said something along the lines of, “Relax, Martha, you are worried about too many things that really aren’t all that important. Mary, on the other hand, has figured out what’s really important and she’s doing it. Leave her be.”
It’s pretty obvious what behavior Jesus is commending here and therein lies the battle for many of us. I’m sure Martha had some deep feelings for Jesus or she would not have been following him around the countryside, caring for his needs and the needs of his disciples. In her mind, serving in the practical ways, as she was in this instance, was her way of expressing love for her Lord. If we were to do a gifting profile on Martha she would no doubt come out as having a strong servant motivation. That’s a good thing, right? Yes. However, according to Jesus, Martha still missed the point.
So what is the point? Why has Mary, down through the ages, been honored for her actions over the actions of her sister? Here’s what I think. Jesus, above all else, longs for our undistracted attention. We were made to derive our very life from Him and the only way we can do that is to be with Him, listening to Him, receiving from Him in quiet, submitted, loving adoration. It’s the “being” part of following Jesus that is the most important. The “doing” part flows out of the “being” part and the “being” part is formed by being in His presence. “Doing” is important, but it is secondary to and the by-product of “being”.
Mary indeed got it right. Though I strongly relate with Mary in my heart, it’s Martha’s actions I most identified with. It’s honestly easier for me to busy myself with many things, good things and useless things alike, than to sit quietly at the feet of Jesus. Distractions by the bucketful are easy for me to collect and than sit and sift through while irretrievable time slips by. To be honest I have derived my sense of worth from “doing”, from accomplishing things. My family is a family of doers. But, I’m also on a journey. A journey to develop the heart and discipline of Mary, to be with Jesus in the way He can transform my mind and soul. The doing, I know, will follow.
In one of the gospel accounts there is a story of Jesus visiting the home of two sisters Mary and Martha. While Martha busied herself preparing a meal for Jesus and his disciples, Mary was sitting at Jesus’ feet intently listening to his every word. Martha, becoming exasperated with her sister said something of the following to Jesus, “I could really use some help here in the kitchen, seeing I’m the only one trying to prepare a meal!”. Jesus’ response, I’m sure, caught Martha off guard. He said something along the lines of, “Relax, Martha, you are worried about too many things that really aren’t all that important. Mary, on the other hand, has figured out what’s really important and she’s doing it. Leave her be.”
It’s pretty obvious what behavior Jesus is commending here and therein lies the battle for many of us. I’m sure Martha had some deep feelings for Jesus or she would not have been following him around the countryside, caring for his needs and the needs of his disciples. In her mind, serving in the practical ways, as she was in this instance, was her way of expressing love for her Lord. If we were to do a gifting profile on Martha she would no doubt come out as having a strong servant motivation. That’s a good thing, right? Yes. However, according to Jesus, Martha still missed the point.
So what is the point? Why has Mary, down through the ages, been honored for her actions over the actions of her sister? Here’s what I think. Jesus, above all else, longs for our undistracted attention. We were made to derive our very life from Him and the only way we can do that is to be with Him, listening to Him, receiving from Him in quiet, submitted, loving adoration. It’s the “being” part of following Jesus that is the most important. The “doing” part flows out of the “being” part and the “being” part is formed by being in His presence. “Doing” is important, but it is secondary to and the by-product of “being”.
Mary indeed got it right. Though I strongly relate with Mary in my heart, it’s Martha’s actions I most identified with. It’s honestly easier for me to busy myself with many things, good things and useless things alike, than to sit quietly at the feet of Jesus. Distractions by the bucketful are easy for me to collect and than sit and sift through while irretrievable time slips by. To be honest I have derived my sense of worth from “doing”, from accomplishing things. My family is a family of doers. But, I’m also on a journey. A journey to develop the heart and discipline of Mary, to be with Jesus in the way He can transform my mind and soul. The doing, I know, will follow.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Transition
I'm 59 years old and find myself in yet another life transition. About six weeks ago the company I had worked for for the past three and half years terminated my positon due to the difficult economic times we are in. Since my livelihood has primarily been in the construction industry over the past 25 years, and since my job loss was due to a depressed housing market and the subsequent economic crisis, I have been left incomeless at a very difficult time for the very industry I have been depending on to support my family.
The dictionary defines transition as the "movement, passage, or change from one position, state, subject, concept, etc., to another". Life is full of these changes, and, in all reality, transition is a veritable staple of life, a state we are always in in one form or another. But some transitions stand out from the rest. Life changes that effect our livelihood, our families, our economic status, our vocation, our health, etc., are by nature more in our face, more obvious, and carry the potential to be either exhilerating, exciting or downright nerve wracking and posssibly personally devastating. Either way, they are life altering.
So how have I handled this latest life transition? Well, the last few weeks prior to leaving my company, in all honesty, I struggled. I dealt with hurt and anger, and feelings of injustice and disenfranchisement. I, the seasoned vetern was being let go. I knew that this job was not the final thing I wanted to do with my life, but I hadn't expected it to come to such an abrupt and unplanned for end, especially with no thought through plan to fall back on.
Once I was able to work through those feelings and reconcile myself to the fact I was losing my job I began to look at this change as a new opportunity. I began to think that perhaps God was allowing this to happen at this time to move me in the direction he wanted me to go and he knew I didn't need to waste any more time being sidetracked doing something that wasn't getting me there. I'm certainly not getting any younger. It felt a little like being pushed off a cliff, exhilerating and terrifying all at the same time.
The last several weeks have been a great experience. I have had fresh inspiration regarding a ministry vision I believe the Lord is calling my wife and I to and have had plenty of time to think, reflect, pray, write and converse with others about it all. I have enjoyed not having my days filled with "job related" concerns and schedules but free to pretty much do as I please. My wife and I have been taking walks together, praying together and hanging out alot together. All good stuff.
The down side, which is now beginning to become more focused, is the income issue. Though I am taking small steps to see a thirty year old ministry vision finally unfold, I need to realize an income source to keep the family needs cared for. As the small financial reserve quickly dwindles I find myself beginning to feel a bit anxious about what I am to do in this interm period between vision conception and vision realization. I have to admit the thought has hit me that it may get worse before it gets better.
Transitions test us. How are we going to respond in the heat and the pressure? What kinds of decisions will we make and for what kind of reasons will we make them. Transitions of this nature expose both the presence and absence of faith and trust in God, and, if allowed, are great opportunities to build the character qualities of perseverence, faithfulness, trustworthiness, and an unshakeable belief in the ultimate goodness of God.
Tough transitions can also potentially break us, crush us, defeat us and rob us of faith. So what makes the difference in the kind of outcome we experience? As I move through this transitional time in my life, what is it that can assure me of a good outcome, a good result in the life of Dave Smith? I'm not sure I have all the answers for that question. What I do have is a little history with God. I've experienced and seen the goodness, mercy and tenderness of God in the midst of some pretty tough life changes in my past. That has given some confidence that he is with me and that he is good and that in some way he will see me through this time in my life much like he has in the past. And not only will he see me through but he will bring me into a larger place with him. A place of greater intimacy, of greater dependence, of greater fruitfulness, of greater glory, for his name's sake.
The dictionary defines transition as the "movement, passage, or change from one position, state, subject, concept, etc., to another". Life is full of these changes, and, in all reality, transition is a veritable staple of life, a state we are always in in one form or another. But some transitions stand out from the rest. Life changes that effect our livelihood, our families, our economic status, our vocation, our health, etc., are by nature more in our face, more obvious, and carry the potential to be either exhilerating, exciting or downright nerve wracking and posssibly personally devastating. Either way, they are life altering.
So how have I handled this latest life transition? Well, the last few weeks prior to leaving my company, in all honesty, I struggled. I dealt with hurt and anger, and feelings of injustice and disenfranchisement. I, the seasoned vetern was being let go. I knew that this job was not the final thing I wanted to do with my life, but I hadn't expected it to come to such an abrupt and unplanned for end, especially with no thought through plan to fall back on.
Once I was able to work through those feelings and reconcile myself to the fact I was losing my job I began to look at this change as a new opportunity. I began to think that perhaps God was allowing this to happen at this time to move me in the direction he wanted me to go and he knew I didn't need to waste any more time being sidetracked doing something that wasn't getting me there. I'm certainly not getting any younger. It felt a little like being pushed off a cliff, exhilerating and terrifying all at the same time.
The last several weeks have been a great experience. I have had fresh inspiration regarding a ministry vision I believe the Lord is calling my wife and I to and have had plenty of time to think, reflect, pray, write and converse with others about it all. I have enjoyed not having my days filled with "job related" concerns and schedules but free to pretty much do as I please. My wife and I have been taking walks together, praying together and hanging out alot together. All good stuff.
The down side, which is now beginning to become more focused, is the income issue. Though I am taking small steps to see a thirty year old ministry vision finally unfold, I need to realize an income source to keep the family needs cared for. As the small financial reserve quickly dwindles I find myself beginning to feel a bit anxious about what I am to do in this interm period between vision conception and vision realization. I have to admit the thought has hit me that it may get worse before it gets better.
Transitions test us. How are we going to respond in the heat and the pressure? What kinds of decisions will we make and for what kind of reasons will we make them. Transitions of this nature expose both the presence and absence of faith and trust in God, and, if allowed, are great opportunities to build the character qualities of perseverence, faithfulness, trustworthiness, and an unshakeable belief in the ultimate goodness of God.
Tough transitions can also potentially break us, crush us, defeat us and rob us of faith. So what makes the difference in the kind of outcome we experience? As I move through this transitional time in my life, what is it that can assure me of a good outcome, a good result in the life of Dave Smith? I'm not sure I have all the answers for that question. What I do have is a little history with God. I've experienced and seen the goodness, mercy and tenderness of God in the midst of some pretty tough life changes in my past. That has given some confidence that he is with me and that he is good and that in some way he will see me through this time in my life much like he has in the past. And not only will he see me through but he will bring me into a larger place with him. A place of greater intimacy, of greater dependence, of greater fruitfulness, of greater glory, for his name's sake.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Decisions
In just two days from now votes will be cast and America will decide who their next president will be. That decision, made by millions of Americans, will have ramifications for this nation and our way of life for decades to come. Decisions are like that. They play an integral role in who and what we are and are becoming. Granted, some decisions may seem less weighty in the magnitude of their consequences than others, but all decisions wind up defining and shaping us in one way or another.
What and who are you becoming? How are the decisions you make playing a role in that process? If you don't like what you are seeing or who you are becoming or have become perhaps it is time to take an honest look at the kind of decisions you make. Decisions simply reflect what is in the core of our person, the good, bad, and ugly.
I've made my share of "bad" decisions in life. Decisions that have had negative impact on myself and others. But, thankfully, that has not been the end of the story for me. I have learned that God can redeem even our bad decsions and mend the broken parts in us that lead to making them in the first place.
Imagine a world, comprised of individuals who, from their own inner wholeness, were regularly making decisions which truly benefitted themselves and others. Difficult to imagine? Start with your world and the difference your decisions, flowing from you own inner wholeness, could make on you and the ones around you. That's a world worth imagining.
What and who are you becoming? How are the decisions you make playing a role in that process? If you don't like what you are seeing or who you are becoming or have become perhaps it is time to take an honest look at the kind of decisions you make. Decisions simply reflect what is in the core of our person, the good, bad, and ugly.
I've made my share of "bad" decisions in life. Decisions that have had negative impact on myself and others. But, thankfully, that has not been the end of the story for me. I have learned that God can redeem even our bad decsions and mend the broken parts in us that lead to making them in the first place.
Imagine a world, comprised of individuals who, from their own inner wholeness, were regularly making decisions which truly benefitted themselves and others. Difficult to imagine? Start with your world and the difference your decisions, flowing from you own inner wholeness, could make on you and the ones around you. That's a world worth imagining.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Wasted Time
January 22, 2007
Lately I’ve wondered whether or not I’m addicted to T.V. Webster defines addict as, “to devote or give (oneself) habitually or compulsively to something”. I consistently find myself watching a lot of it. After an evening of staring mindlessly for hours into the boob tube, I head for bed feeling guilty of wasting another block of precious time, knowing it is lost forever.
What is the draw from T.V. that continually pulls me into it, helplessly lured and taunted by its sights and sounds? Is it my propensity toward laziness that finds it easy to passively and thoughtlessly sit and veg? Recently, in some of my “self-talk”, I have referenced T.V. as a mind numbing activity. Other than for a few “educational” programs, (if they honestly can be called such), the majority of programs I watch provide no real or measurable substance to positively improve my life, and I feel my selections are, on an average, fairly good ones.
I certainly do not want to lump all TV and all TV programs into the same category. However, for me TV has become a problem. So what is the solution to my problem? First I have to admit I have a problem. That’s done. Second I need a plan to break the addiction. Realistically, I don’t think cold turkey will work well. We have three TV’s in three different rooms in our home. However, I can intentionally begin to limit my time watching. I can also choose to fast TV a day here and there. For this to work I need to replace TV watching with other activities which will enhance my life and contribute to my personal growth as a person. Taking a walk, reading a good book, spending time in quiet reflection are all good starts.
The greatest fallout from my TV watching is the hit my relationship with God takes and the positive affect on the lives of others that issues from that relationship. Relationships take time to cultivate. I have often complained to God about my lack of time. It really has never been an issue of time but of priorities and passion. I believe I understand a little of what Jesus said to his disciples, “the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak”. Out of the depths of my being is a cry to make the time I have count in my pursuit of Him. The outcome I know will be to the benefit of many.
“Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16)
Lately I’ve wondered whether or not I’m addicted to T.V. Webster defines addict as, “to devote or give (oneself) habitually or compulsively to something”. I consistently find myself watching a lot of it. After an evening of staring mindlessly for hours into the boob tube, I head for bed feeling guilty of wasting another block of precious time, knowing it is lost forever.
What is the draw from T.V. that continually pulls me into it, helplessly lured and taunted by its sights and sounds? Is it my propensity toward laziness that finds it easy to passively and thoughtlessly sit and veg? Recently, in some of my “self-talk”, I have referenced T.V. as a mind numbing activity. Other than for a few “educational” programs, (if they honestly can be called such), the majority of programs I watch provide no real or measurable substance to positively improve my life, and I feel my selections are, on an average, fairly good ones.
I certainly do not want to lump all TV and all TV programs into the same category. However, for me TV has become a problem. So what is the solution to my problem? First I have to admit I have a problem. That’s done. Second I need a plan to break the addiction. Realistically, I don’t think cold turkey will work well. We have three TV’s in three different rooms in our home. However, I can intentionally begin to limit my time watching. I can also choose to fast TV a day here and there. For this to work I need to replace TV watching with other activities which will enhance my life and contribute to my personal growth as a person. Taking a walk, reading a good book, spending time in quiet reflection are all good starts.
The greatest fallout from my TV watching is the hit my relationship with God takes and the positive affect on the lives of others that issues from that relationship. Relationships take time to cultivate. I have often complained to God about my lack of time. It really has never been an issue of time but of priorities and passion. I believe I understand a little of what Jesus said to his disciples, “the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak”. Out of the depths of my being is a cry to make the time I have count in my pursuit of Him. The outcome I know will be to the benefit of many.
“Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16)
Living with Anticipation and Hope
January 16, 2007
I need something to give the routine and mundane meaning. For me there has to be a purpose, a reason that allows me to live life with anticipation and hope from day to day. For many that purpose doesn’t go much further than to put food on the table, pay for the next weekend adventure, expectation of the next sexual encounter, or making a lot of money.
I kind of see this purpose/meaning thing as circles within circles, the smallest one being the routine day to day stuff we do. As we go out from there the purposes become more significant until a kind of ultimate purpose is arrived at. Unfortunately, for a lot of people the circle they stop at and are content to live their lives around remains rather small and insignificant.
I won’t pretend to understand all the reasons for this. I’m sure for many it is because they have never been given any larger purpose or context for their life. For others it is a matter of choice, a simple matter of what feels good. But I do believe every person, if really honest, wrestles internally with the need for their life to make sense. I mean really make sense.
For me the circles go something like this: the first slightly larger circle around the daily activities of my life is a circle I would call caring for my family in the practical ways of supplying for their needs. I realize in my culture the idea of needs has been completely redefined, but for now let’s just leave it at that.
The next circle out from that one I would call achieving excellence in my work. The next one out from that I would call living in the Kingdom of God by means of being a student of Jesus Christ. Finally, the circle farthest out I would call living in the expectation of a future with Jesus. A future, Dallas Willard calls, “so full of beauty and goodness we can hardly imagine.”
The two largest circles are the ones for me which provide the context for the smaller ones. Solving a problem on a job site, putting together a project schedule, or creating a bid package, all take on new importance when I understand that how I do those things are important to God and together, with everything else I do, make up my life in Him. With God there is no artificial distinction between secular and sacred. When one’s life is committed to the glory of God and filled with the expectation of a future beyond words, every act, no matter how routine or mundane, carries with it the DNA of significance and can be an act of worship bringing pleasure to God.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” (Colossians 3:23-24)
I need something to give the routine and mundane meaning. For me there has to be a purpose, a reason that allows me to live life with anticipation and hope from day to day. For many that purpose doesn’t go much further than to put food on the table, pay for the next weekend adventure, expectation of the next sexual encounter, or making a lot of money.
I kind of see this purpose/meaning thing as circles within circles, the smallest one being the routine day to day stuff we do. As we go out from there the purposes become more significant until a kind of ultimate purpose is arrived at. Unfortunately, for a lot of people the circle they stop at and are content to live their lives around remains rather small and insignificant.
I won’t pretend to understand all the reasons for this. I’m sure for many it is because they have never been given any larger purpose or context for their life. For others it is a matter of choice, a simple matter of what feels good. But I do believe every person, if really honest, wrestles internally with the need for their life to make sense. I mean really make sense.
For me the circles go something like this: the first slightly larger circle around the daily activities of my life is a circle I would call caring for my family in the practical ways of supplying for their needs. I realize in my culture the idea of needs has been completely redefined, but for now let’s just leave it at that.
The next circle out from that one I would call achieving excellence in my work. The next one out from that I would call living in the Kingdom of God by means of being a student of Jesus Christ. Finally, the circle farthest out I would call living in the expectation of a future with Jesus. A future, Dallas Willard calls, “so full of beauty and goodness we can hardly imagine.”
The two largest circles are the ones for me which provide the context for the smaller ones. Solving a problem on a job site, putting together a project schedule, or creating a bid package, all take on new importance when I understand that how I do those things are important to God and together, with everything else I do, make up my life in Him. With God there is no artificial distinction between secular and sacred. When one’s life is committed to the glory of God and filled with the expectation of a future beyond words, every act, no matter how routine or mundane, carries with it the DNA of significance and can be an act of worship bringing pleasure to God.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” (Colossians 3:23-24)
Continuing to Grow
January 3, 2007
I cleaned out my closet the other day getting rid of clothes I no longer wanted or which no longer fit. Yes, I have to admit my waist size has grown slightly. Fortunately I have been blessed with a metabolism that has at least kept me looking rather fit all my life. Even with that blessing, however, middle age brings bodily changes even to the best of gene pools. It has dawned on me that even as fully grown, mature adults, we keep changing and growing…and we will until the day we die.
I have been giving the thought of growing old a bit more time lately. I have to admit the idea is not very appealing to me. The prospect of further physical changes, all of which are going the wrong direction, leaves me feeling rather depressed. A friend recently wrote that old age arrives with the grace of a wrecking ball. I haven’t been hit too hard yet, but is that what I can expect?
Part of the reason for my feelings of depression at growing older is owed to a good dose of vanity, pure and simple. But a deeper reason I feel has to do with the shrinking of opportunities, the narrowing of time to accomplish the things I still want to accomplish along with the loss of strength and health to accomplish them. I am committed to doing my best at staying in shape and taking care of myself, but I also realize I cannot hold back the inevitable forever.
As my body keeps changing and growing (not necessarily in the right direction) I also want to keep growing and changing in the right direction. Deep within me is the desire to finish strong…..to make the most of the opportunities still left….to truly believe and live as though my best days are still ahead of me.
I desire to continue to grow, not just in knowledge or wisdom, though important, but more important in love and character. If my days before God on this earth should number close to my dad’s, who died at 91, or my mom’s, whose still living at 93, I want to know that I have arrived there a better man than I am today. I want to be able to look back on my life and rest in the fact that, in spite of missed opportunities, wasted time, unfulfilled dreams and failures, at least I never stopped pressing on, I never prematurely threw in the towel, I never gave up the fight.
"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” 2 Corinthians 4:16
I cleaned out my closet the other day getting rid of clothes I no longer wanted or which no longer fit. Yes, I have to admit my waist size has grown slightly. Fortunately I have been blessed with a metabolism that has at least kept me looking rather fit all my life. Even with that blessing, however, middle age brings bodily changes even to the best of gene pools. It has dawned on me that even as fully grown, mature adults, we keep changing and growing…and we will until the day we die.
I have been giving the thought of growing old a bit more time lately. I have to admit the idea is not very appealing to me. The prospect of further physical changes, all of which are going the wrong direction, leaves me feeling rather depressed. A friend recently wrote that old age arrives with the grace of a wrecking ball. I haven’t been hit too hard yet, but is that what I can expect?
Part of the reason for my feelings of depression at growing older is owed to a good dose of vanity, pure and simple. But a deeper reason I feel has to do with the shrinking of opportunities, the narrowing of time to accomplish the things I still want to accomplish along with the loss of strength and health to accomplish them. I am committed to doing my best at staying in shape and taking care of myself, but I also realize I cannot hold back the inevitable forever.
As my body keeps changing and growing (not necessarily in the right direction) I also want to keep growing and changing in the right direction. Deep within me is the desire to finish strong…..to make the most of the opportunities still left….to truly believe and live as though my best days are still ahead of me.
I desire to continue to grow, not just in knowledge or wisdom, though important, but more important in love and character. If my days before God on this earth should number close to my dad’s, who died at 91, or my mom’s, whose still living at 93, I want to know that I have arrived there a better man than I am today. I want to be able to look back on my life and rest in the fact that, in spite of missed opportunities, wasted time, unfulfilled dreams and failures, at least I never stopped pressing on, I never prematurely threw in the towel, I never gave up the fight.
"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” 2 Corinthians 4:16
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