Benjamin Button

I woke up this morning thinking about Benjamin Button, both the movie and the person. As far as the movie is concerned I really enjoyed it. It was thoughtful and well done. Brad Pitt's character (Benjamin) was a little difficult for me to swallow. It brought back memories of how Pitt played the angel of death in "Meet Joe Black". Very little emotion. Nevertheless the story was captivating. In some way we all want to turn back time and do things differently or take greater advantage of what has been given.

I'm 41 years old. Although 40 is the new 20, it feels like my life is half over. Are there things I would go back and change? Absolutely. Would I spend my time and money differently? Yes. Can I turn back time? Obviously not.

The movie forces you to think about these kinds of issues. The apostle Paul in the New Testament speaks of time. He says something kind of strange. "Be careful how you live, not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity". Making the most of every opportunity literally means to rescue from loss. The implication is that we are all losing time, it's slipping away, but we are challenged to wisely grab it and make the most of it.

When thinking about making the most of every opportunity my mind has to run to how I interacted with God and people. This especially relates to thinking through 08. This year was I faithful to pursue and love God and others to the max? Did I maximize my time, energy and money or did I squander it? Sure, I can't change what happened but there is value in looking back and asking God to teach me.

There is one area in particular that needs greater focus, time with my kids. Don't misunderstand, I get good time with my family, I simply want my time with them to be extraordinary. At the end of the day I long that my children know they are loved by their dad, both earthly and heavenly. It's pretty simple how they know I'm crazy about them...time. It needs to be a great priority for me to chase their hearts this year. At Benjamin and Daisy's daughter's first birthday party the guy in the kitchen said it well, "you turn around and their in high school", or in my case college. So painfully true.

So, may 2009 be a year where each of us pursues God and others (especially those closest to us) in a fresh way. May God give us the grace to make the most of every opportunity and use the gifts he has given to the max.

Zachary

Today is Zach's 16th birthday. Unbelievable! There truly is no one I know quite like Zach. He actually could be the most likable of all my kids. (I like all my kids btw) I don't know anyone who doesn't love him.

When he's around people he genuinely cares about them and what's going on in their world. He's funny and really doesn't take himself too seriously.

I'm so proud of the man he is and is becoming. For all my boys my simple prayer is that they will grow up to be men who love God. Zach is well on his way. His sensitivity to the things of God is evident.

I love you Zach. Happy Birthday!

Inaugeral Thoughts

Well,

I've been thinking a lot over the last couple years about writing down some thoughts. For years I've kept a journal but that is for my eyes only. For some reason there seems to be value in "going public".

We (my family) are going through a huge transition right now. Moving from Atlanta to Dallas is a huge deal for us. First of all it's very hard on my kids at their age and stage. Lauren is 13, Zach is almost 16, Austin is 18 and Andrew is 19.

It really doesn't make sense for us to make a move now, but it really seems God is in it. I'm not sure how one knows if God is in or not in something, but we're doing the best we can to get advice and council on the whole move.