Looking Back

Every year it seems that time goes by faster and faster. I wanted to take some time to look back at 2009 and meditate on the grace I have seen and felt this past year, because what good are historic events and experiences if you don’t remember them or learn anything from them?

Two huge events stand out this year in my mind. One is losing my Dad. It might seem crazy to rejoice about something like that, but here’ why I do…
I rejoice because he is no longer in any pain. When Dad died, he didn’t lose. We lost something. We lost a Dad, Husband, a Son, a Brother, a Teacher, a Friend…
But Dad won Jesus Christ. Life isn’t about you. It’s about The Life. And Dad’s there with Him. I sing praises at the top of my lungs about that.
I could go on and on and tell a hundred other stories of the love I saw and heard and felt surrounding Dad’s death. All I can say is…
God’s grace is sufficient in the time of need. I had heard about that kind of grace my whole life, but I got to know it this year. I got to taste it. And it is the best tasting meal you could ever eat.

The second huge event was celebrating 10 years of marriage with Melanie. And it’s not about the number of years. You could be married for 50 years of hell on earth. And we have had our share of hellish years. So, years of marriage are not the milestone. That isn’t the grace. The grace is her. There is a girl who knows me better than anyone and still loves me. That is a miracle.

Here are some other highlights of this year…

*My Mom. You always have been the best, Mom. But you continue to amaze me. I’m so blessed to have found a girl to marry who is as cool and godly as you.

*My kids. Family won’t always make you happy, but that isn’t the point. Family exists to make you holy. And when you have true holiness, you have joy – which is way better than happiness. Noa and Levi help me understand my Father in heaven better than anyone ever has – just by existing. I didn’t make much money this year, but I got to spend priceless time with my boys.  I wouldn’t trade that for the world.

*My friends. Some of my friends have been my friends since we were 5 years old. And they were there for me during one of the most difficult moments of my life. Steve, Daren, and Troy – You have fought in this battle with me and continue fight in this war. I love you guys. Don’t know what else to say. And many of my friends are new, but I feel like I’ve known them my whole life. I won’t name names here, but if you think your name belongs here…you know it’s you that I’m talking about. I thank God for all of you.

*My church. I don’t know where I would be if it weren’t for North Hills Community Church. I keep hearing about Jesus and seeing His love in the elders and people around me, and I never get sick of it. Thank you!!!