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| Starting my 53rd trip |
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This week I celebrated my 52nd birthday. It was not without its surprises. I briefed a group of industry people on the  Department of Homeland Security budget. There were about 70 people in the room. After the meeting adjourned, I had several people come over to me to ask questions. One good-looking lady came up to me and planted a big kiss on my cheek and said "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" Sure wasn't expecting that. I am sure my face turned several shades of red, but I must admit, I am not complaining.
Fifty two. Kind of a strange one. No significant milestone. Just 52 trips around the sun. In hindsight, this has been a very rough year. Exactly a year ago I was sitting, with my family, in Keri and Richard Nakamura's dining room in Japan. They all sang Happy Birthday to me after a very long day of visiting temples throughout the Tokyo area. Upon my arrival back in the States, I was released from my job. That began a journey of change through this year that is still ongoing. Watching how God unfolds each day can be much like a walk through a flower garden with a beautiful surprise at every turn, but some days are more like Mr Toad's Wild Ride where we hang on with all our might and even close our eyes in anticipation of what is around the next turn. Nonetheless, it is a journey and He carries me through.
 Some of the old songs have become more meaningful to me throughout this last year. One song - He Covers Me - by Steve Camp, probably written before many of you were born, reminds us that trials are our friends because they draw us closer to Him. The new songs, though, like Hold My Heart by Tenth Avenue North, speak the current Word and drive me to my knees reminding me where my proper place is - at the feet of the Christ. Even to this day I marvel how the Creator of the Universe has an interest in me.
I took some time over the last week to reflect on this trip around the sun. What did I learn? What wisdom did I gain? Each trip seems to give me a different perspective on life, a new understanding of His creation, and I seem to be always learning. Here are a few of the things I think about when reflecting on this last year:
1. Getting older doesn't mean things get easier. Maybe some things aren't quite as important as they use to be - like chores indeed get harder when we put them off, but every now and then, chores can wait because walking on the beach with my kids is something that can't be replaced.
2. Days pass more quickly. Nights are seldom long. (sound like an old John Denver song?)
3. Change is still a lot of fun and keeps each day exciting.
4. Absolutely nothing compares to the freedom of being lost in worship - maybe it is because with each passing day, with each orbit, I understand better what that worship is all about.
5. The very same children that cause me to get upset, bring some of the greatest joy into my life.
6. I never thought preparing to let them go and encouraging them to be independent would be so difficult - on me. Yet I rejoice in their ability to stand on their own.
7. The roof leaks, the wooden porch has some boards that are rotting, and the screen door doesn't work right - all just simple reminders that our life here is temporary.
8. There is nothing quite as peaceful as a walk in the woods on a full-moon night, especially after a rain when the sky is clear and the ground is soft.
9. A daily reminder of who I am and who He is sure makes life better. If I don't take the time to remind myself, He is faithful to do it for me.
10. It is a good thing to be content with my wife, but not to be content with how I love her.
These may not be pearls of wisdom to you...you probably know all these things already. That is ok. As much as things change, they stay the same. The human condition has been constant since the beginning. We wander seeking for a purpose in our life wanting to know that it all matters. These struggles, the trials we endure. We want to know it matters to someone somewhere. Is it worth it?
 As I start my 53rd trip around the sun, I can tell you what I know. I know that each day of our lives does matter. That each one of us has a purpose in this life that God wants us to fulfill. That purpose really has nothing to do with gaining wealth or position in life, although He may use those things. No, the most important thing is having a strong growing relationship with our God. When we do that, He brings others into our life that we encourage and that encourage us. We may never know the impact we have. What we can know is that the Creator of the Universe, the One who makes atoms such that the same ones that are in water are in the air we breathe, that same Creator made each one of us with a plan in mind...and His plans never fail.
As I sit here tonight writing this, my dog Bay is curled up at my feet, it is getting cool outside, and the house is silent since everyone else is in bed. I look back over my 52nd orbit and I eagerly look forward to my 53rd trip. What great adventure does He have for me? I don't know, but my prayer is only for one thing. In all that I do, in every step of my life, TGBTG forever and ever! |
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| To add a comment to "Starting my 53rd trip" |
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| November 06, 2009 |
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 [star!] |
You are one of the few men who can bring to tears with your honesty and your passion for God, for your family and life.
That journey of change that you spoke of? We know it well... you are in my prayers, and the way you described is perfect.
Your reflection on the 52nd orbit has given me food for thought, and blessed me beyond measure. God bless you for sharing yourself... your life.. your mind with us.
I love you,
Joey |
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| November 06, 2009 |
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| You have been a blessing to me through it all, Joey. |
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| November 06, 2009 |
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| I'm not going anywhere. |
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| November 06, 2009 |
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thanks for that. That was beautifully said. Happy Birthday!! |
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| November 07, 2009 |
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Voice,
This blog, as others you have written, has touched my heart deeply. You know some of the trials I have walked through this year. The reflections you share in this blog and the songs you connected to have reached into a deep, desperate part of me and are truly the Balm of Gilead to my weary soul. I so appreciate how our Savoir expresses Himself through you. Thank you for allowing Him to be big in you.
Love,
~Coreena |
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| November 07, 2009 |
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| Love ya Dad! *hugs* |
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| November 07, 2009 |
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| [star!] |
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| November 07, 2009 |
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| [star!] |
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| November 07, 2009 |
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| I'll be right there with you Bro on Dec. 31 of this year. Starting my 53 orbit. Well written blog. I agree completely. |
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| November 07, 2009 |
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Thanks Coreena...I can only say that God is good and if He uses me, it is because He is good and not a reflection on me. It was such a struggle this year to find time to write these words, but they were weighing on my heart as if He was telling me someone really needed to hear them. Dare I say they are "His Words", and if there is healing in them, we know what He says about His Words - they don't return without accomplishing what they were sent to do.
Steve Camp has another song (these go way back) called Carry Me. In it he reflects on how he (Steve) thought being a Christian would be a way for life to be better. However, what he (Steve) came to realize is that being a Christian opens us up to warfare we don't even understand. However, the promise from Him is that through it all He lifts us up and carries us. (Not to be confused with the newer song with a similar title - He Carries Me - sung by Cory Morrow which is also pretty good.) |
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| November 07, 2009 |
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Thanks Ruth...you made my day on Thursday with the handmade card. It is leaning on the window sill where I can see it every day. Thanks for being a part of my life!
Mark, thanks for the note. It is a great race we run. |
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| November 07, 2009 |
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| These reflections blessed me too. Particularly #10, which I can definitely identify with. Hope 53 is a good # for you, brother. |
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| November 08, 2009 |
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| Thanks for adopting me! I appreciate you so much. |
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| November 09, 2009 |
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| [star!] |
Happy birthday! |
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