Have You Ever Asked Yourself...

Is this all there is?

We all wonder sometimes how we impact our world. Is my impact helpful? Are people better off for having known me? Are my daily life, my priorities, my hopes, my dreams pleasing to God? Should I be doing something different, or should I be doing what I do in a different way?

We tend to forget that we are where we are for a reason. We touch people in some way each and every day. As we ponder our future with it's possibility for life changes, let us not forget about the people we impact today. Let's celebrate those opportunities! God has a plan, and that plan is coming to fruition, even as I write this post and you read it.

Take me for example: I work in corporate America. I also enjoy writing my blog, even though I don’t write regularly. I enjoy public speaking. I think it would be cool to publish a book – a book that people would find helpful and inspirational in some way. Could I make a living doing these things? Should I even try, or is this the proverbial mid-life crisis finally knocking at my door?

One of my favorite promises from God is recorded in the book of Isaiah:

People of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you. Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Then you will desecrate your idols overlaid with silver and your images covered with gold; you will throw them away like a menstrual cloth and say to them, “Away with you!” (Isaiah 30:19-22)

I stand firmly on that promise. At 51 I see lots of road in my rearview mirror and, God willing, I have much road yet to travel. No matter where we are in life, we all see that road, don't we?

Be open to change, but remember also that, right now, you are exactly where God wants you to be. Honor Him by making the most of today as you continue to explore the possibilities for future change. I see today's opportunities with a fresh set of eyes. With that clear vision I will explore the pursuit of my dreams. God will show me which road to take. Where is He guiding you?

Welcome 2013!

I enter 2013 with emotions that are somewhat mixed. First and foremost, I am so very thankful to God for the blessings He has bestowed upon my family and me. We are doing well. We have our health, we are gainfully employed, and we have each other. The three people with whom I share my life are more important and dear to me than I have the ability to express in words.

I enter 2013 with a strong feeling of optimism for my family. We have much to look forward to, God willing. We’ll begin visiting colleges with Olivia as she contemplates the next phase of her life after graduating high school next year. Olivia continues to work hard through the audition process with the Crossmen drum corps. We’re cheering her on! Keith continues to focus on meteorology, as he has for the past several years. That means our college visit list for him will likely be quite a bit shorter – we may have a future Sooner in the house! Keith enjoyed his first year of marching band and continues to grow up into a fine young man. I am very proud of both of my kids.

DeLisa is truly a gift from God. A terrific wife and mother, she holds this troupe of four together while working full time educating a room full of first graders and caring for ailing extended family members. She sets a fine example of love and selflessness, and I'm thankful that God deemed me worthy of her partnership.

I enter 2013 with trepidation for our country. We have been lulled to sleep, and we seemingly doze peacefully as our government continues to lead us down the road to economic collapse. Barring significant changes, I believe our economy will fail us – possibly sooner rather than later. We simply cannot continue to spend money we don’t have while looking at those most successful among us as the perpetrators of our economic woes and as the source of resolution through draconian tax measures. Sadly, our government has opened the New Year bound and determined to continue down this path. Serious changes are needed – quickly. I resolve in 2013 to become part of the process instead of sitting on the sidelines with an attitude of lament.

With that said, I sit here this afternoon quite content with my lot. I look to my Savior, who is the Source of all that I am and all that I have and I am so very thankful. He is the Author of Life and the Source of immeasurable peace.  So as I enter the New Year with mixed emotions, I do not worry; for my life is in His hands. What a blessing that is!

“I will lift up my eyes to the hills—
From whence comes my help?

My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.

He will not allow your foot to be moved;
He who keeps you will not slumber.

Behold, He who keeps Israel
 Shall neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord is your keeper;
The Lord is your shade at your right hand.

The sun shall not strike you by day,
 Nor the moon by night.

The Lord shall preserve you from all evil;
 He shall preserve your soul.

The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in
 From this time forth, and even forevermore.”

~ Psalm 121