Reflecting and Looking Forward
Well, the year is a little more. Another day. It’s a hell of a year, a year of milestones for our family. Come with me now and we’ll take a trip in the past … ..
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As I said, it was a year of milestones. I hit the big 40 this year, which is quite incredible. Each year I am blown since adolescence I remember, I never live to 30. But here I am. Still kicking. And 40 is the right one! I’m still listening to rock and wearing leather jackets, the jamming of the motorcycle battery and if it is a good thing! But I can certainly feel maturation. I guess it’s about time. And notice I said not to have the maturity and old!
My child has hit her sweet 16 this year, which for a child who came to me, should be absolutely frightening. But it is much more to do that I run was his age. She is taking care of business, has good friends, is incredibly talented and creative, and I’m really proud of her.
The last step was that Michelle and I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary, which is surprising given that 6 months before I got married, I swore I would never marry. Life changes in a heart beat, is not it? He was a great 20 years and I can honestly say that we are closer than ever.
So, what happened this year? I did some traveling. I spent two weeks in Ethiopia with a fantastic group of people. I ate goat and various others are not (and not very tasty) food. I played music for African children. It was a time I will never forget. I also took an epic 1500-mile bike race of my brother by NorCal and Oregon. It was a great moment not only for the race, but going out with my brother and get to know a little better.
Spiritually, it was a good year too. Our group has continued to grow and now has something like a dozen guys in him. It is really cool hanging with those guys and learn more about God and each other as well.
But of course there is no good news in 2008. Michelle laid off and we lost an important part of our income. However, I believe that God teaches us in difficult times, and I learned a ton of what it really means to my family through this time. I also learned that if you are faithful and obedient, God disposes. Every time.
While, in a word, was 2008.
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So what will happen in 2009? Who the hell knows? I feel it’s going to be tough. So my plan is simply to follow Jesus, the best I can do, and see where it leads me. It is not always easy to do, but it sure sounds good. I seem to have a habit of crashing the moment I think I’m incorruptible. But then, so I need him.
I will not make any New Year’s Resolutions this year. They are usually stupid things I never seem to respond to (and you do not, do not lie). Instead, I just keep my head in and doing. And if my friends and family notice a change in me, so I know I’m really accomplished something. And if I do not know …. well, you know not even you? See how it works? I am so clever.
So, so long in 2008, Hello 2009! I hope it is a rocking year for you all!