Courage

As I get older I really believe what i need more of every day is COURAGE.

I have a sister born with a birth defect, shes 41 and mentally about 2. When I was in the second grade she was institutionalized, I only saw her on the weekends the transition was rough on me. Evidently I was afraid of the same happening to me. My parents divorce at age 12. At age 19 my cousin the same age was paralyzed after diving into a swimming pool. Two years later he died from complications from long hospital stay after a driving accident. At age 3 my oldest son had leukemia and a bone marrow transplant that has had lasting negative effects on his life and our entire family.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not bragging or complaining. I know there are people who have had it worse,...worse by far. I honestly love my life, I have a beautiful wife and 4 amazing children a great job many, many blessings in my life.

As much as I love those those blessings and good times, Ive seen enough in my life to know that with or without Jesus those good times are temporary. So each day what I need is courage and faith. Faith that God is active and impacting eternity even when the temporal seems out of control and courage to face difficulty I could never have imagined in the days of my optimistic youth.

Two verses come to mind:
Joshua 1:7
Jeremiah 1:7

I hear God saying, stand up and engage in the things I am doing, be bold, don't just sit around waiting for bad things to happen, be a part of advancing my kingdom and impact life beyond this broken place.

I remember saying and feeling similiar things about faith and courage in my youth. I dont think I was insincere, but i think it means more to me now.

Old Friends

Saw an old friend today hadn't talked in a long time.  I actually saw a lot of old friends today.  It was very good, I was encouraged and refreshed. 

It's odd how good it felt.  Like most men I think i tend to see myself as an island, not needing people.  It was really just a few short conversations, a couple of hugs and even a "holy" kiss, from a handful of people who I have no need to impress. We have history and there is a mutual love for one another... it was a good morning.