Saturday mornings are usually reserved for sleeping in, as they are the only mornings out of the week that my schedule allows for it. This morning, however, would be different. I got myself out of bed and across town to join a few members of our church for the inaugural meeting of the new running club. There were only a handful of us, but we are hoping our enthusiasm will spread to other members who are teetering on the edge of whether or not to join us. It was a fun time this morning as we ran about a mile-and-a-half, then sat down for a cup of coffee at the Mill.
If you would have told me a few months ago that I would be interested, passionate even, about running, I would have laughed at you, called you silly, and moved on. Thus, I found myself in one of those surreal states this morning as I trotted alongside some of who I consider Lincoln's top runners. The pastor of our church, who just ran the Boston Marathon, ran alongside me. Our club coordinator, who just ran the Lincoln Marathon, was with us as well. I kept asking myself if this group was where I really belonged in these early stages of learning the sport of running. I was a bit nervous as I drove across town, as I wondered just how I would fare alongside these more experienced runners. I'm glad I didn't allow my nervousness to stop me. Our time together was an incredible experience, and I have a good feeling I'm going to learn lots in the days and weeks ahead as I set my sites on next year's Lincoln Marathon.
This morning's fellowship taught me several things, but two lessons in particular stand out the most. First, every runner, no matter how experienced, started somewhere. I'm no different, and I was relieved to learn the pastor and the coordinator used to be in the same boat as I currently am. Second, I was thankful to learn that my running experience thus far is paying off, as it was not difficult to keep pace with the group. Granted, it was a slower pace and not that far, but it's still progress for me. Six months ago, I couldn't have done what I did this morning.
And so I go from here, excited to be seriously running for the first time in my life, excited to have goals and aspirations, and excited to be tweaking and toning the overall health of my body.
Peace.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Thursday, May 1, 2008
United Methodist General Conference
You may or may not be aware that my religious background was cultivated in the United Methodist Church. My Grandfather was a Methodist pastor, my Grandmother spent years as an organist, teacher, and music director in the church, and I was in turn raised in the Methodist church. Even though I no longer attend a UM church, I try to keep up-to-speed on all the latest.
This year, the United Methodist General Conference convened, as it does every four years. I have been following it through Jeff's blog, and his post from earlier today was of particular interest to me. The conference debated the never-ending homosexuality issue, and the results of that debate and subsequent vote, are...um.......honestly, I'm at a loss for words to describe my feelings. Interesting is the first adjective that tempts me, but it doesn't seem adequate.
Tell ya what. I'll just let you read what I have read today, and you can form your own thoughts, opinions, and insight. I'd love to hear what you think, either by commenting on my blog, via email, or in person. Let's generate some good discussion. What'dya say?
Here's Jeff's post, entitled "General Conference - The Sexuality Issue." In Jeff's post, you'll find another link to a blog which summarizes the entire day of debate on this issue. Happy reading, and I can't wait to hear from you.
This year, the United Methodist General Conference convened, as it does every four years. I have been following it through Jeff's blog, and his post from earlier today was of particular interest to me. The conference debated the never-ending homosexuality issue, and the results of that debate and subsequent vote, are...um.......honestly, I'm at a loss for words to describe my feelings. Interesting is the first adjective that tempts me, but it doesn't seem adequate.
Tell ya what. I'll just let you read what I have read today, and you can form your own thoughts, opinions, and insight. I'd love to hear what you think, either by commenting on my blog, via email, or in person. Let's generate some good discussion. What'dya say?
Here's Jeff's post, entitled "General Conference - The Sexuality Issue." In Jeff's post, you'll find another link to a blog which summarizes the entire day of debate on this issue. Happy reading, and I can't wait to hear from you.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
No Regrets
If you haven't read my previous post, that's quite alright, but you might scroll down a bit and take a look at what I chose for a title to that post before reading my commentary this time.....wait! On second thought, maybe you should check out that title after reading the following story. I'm guessing you'll fill your pants either way, but waiting might help you fill them a bit fuller. Which, of course, is what I aim to achieve. So, here goes....
A friend and I hit the road Friday afternoon traveling due North, bound for the fine city of Sioux Falls, SD, for a shooter's school for pyrotechnics. We were very much looking forward to the opportunity to get away for awhile, make some contacts, and hopefully learn a few things we didn't already know with regards to the fine art of professional fireworks. Of course, Old Man Winter was still having a very hard time letting go, as is typically the case during a mid-West April. We fluctuate between winter and spring all month long, and this weekend seemed to favor winter. After checking the weather forecast, I packed accordingly and was prepared for a chilly weekend.
During our three-hour trek, my friend and I found ourselves engaged in a philosophical discussion on how precious life is, and how we tend to take it for granted all too often. We both have the same basic goal, that being not to take any regrets with us when our time comes. I came to the realization years ago that the only guarantee we have in this life is that we will die. And since we have no clue when that time might come, we had better make the most of the days with which we have been blessed. The discussion unfolded from there as we talked about goals and aspirations, achievements and failures. We've all had these types of discussions in the past, I'm quite sure, but they never seem to get old.
On the heels of this discussion we found ourselves driving into what was becoming a bit of a snowstorm. Now, mind you, I am from Nebraska and have driven through my share of pretty nasty winter weather. This particular storm was nothing, comparatively speaking. As we approached Sioux Falls, however, it seemed to be getting a bit worse. Even so, it certainly wasn't anything to write home about. At least not until after we had encountered, "the bridge."
Before I continue, allow me to sidetrack a bit: You know those annoying little signs they always post right before bridges warning you that the bridge may be icy? "CAUTION: BRIDGE MAY BE ICY." Even in the dead of August when it's 10,000 degrees outside, those stupid signs are still there. "CAUTION: BRIDGE MAY BE ICY" Hello? Roads department? Have you noticed how frickin' hot it is out here?? Could ya maybe consider taking down your god damn sign until it's really necessary? But I digress...you see, because those signs are up all year, I have come to the point that I don't necessarily pay attention to them anymore. I know they are there, but I rarely consider what they have to say might actually be true.
Back to "the bridge." We began to ascend toward the peak of a bridge, and as we crossed the actual bridge, I began to realize I had lost all control of the truck and we were sliding at 75 mph. In a fraction of a second, many thoughts went through my mind, including a recap of the discussion we had just entertained ourselves with for an hour. My natural instincts to over-correct the steering wheel kicked in, and I began to turn the wheel in the direction I felt it needed to go. I then realized (still within this fraction of a second, mind you) that if we hit the dry pavement with my wheels cranked as they were, we would most-certainly roll, and who knows if we would survive. So, I began to steer the wheel back a bit in the hopes of saving the spin once we hit the dry pavement.
We were sliding closer and closer to the median, and quite honestly, I had no clue how this was going to end. At some point during the split second we were out-of-control, I remember thinking we would be fortunate if all we did was end up in the median. I knew, even after correcting myself with the wheels, that rolling was a distinct possibility. Amazing what the mind can process in a such a brief moment of time. Somehow, someway, we fishtailed a bit after we got past the ice and ended up in the same direction we started in, and on all four tires. No harm, no foul. Shaken? You bet. Pale? Absolutely. Lucky? Without a doubt.
Now I don't know if this whole incident was meant to happen in order to reinforce to myself my own preaching, but the timing of it all sure seems sensational. I am thankful to have been blessed with life, I am thankful for having survived our South Dakota bridge incident, and I will go forward from here with an even greater appreciation. Oh, and I will damn hard to take no regrets to my grave.
Peace.
A friend and I hit the road Friday afternoon traveling due North, bound for the fine city of Sioux Falls, SD, for a shooter's school for pyrotechnics. We were very much looking forward to the opportunity to get away for awhile, make some contacts, and hopefully learn a few things we didn't already know with regards to the fine art of professional fireworks. Of course, Old Man Winter was still having a very hard time letting go, as is typically the case during a mid-West April. We fluctuate between winter and spring all month long, and this weekend seemed to favor winter. After checking the weather forecast, I packed accordingly and was prepared for a chilly weekend.
During our three-hour trek, my friend and I found ourselves engaged in a philosophical discussion on how precious life is, and how we tend to take it for granted all too often. We both have the same basic goal, that being not to take any regrets with us when our time comes. I came to the realization years ago that the only guarantee we have in this life is that we will die. And since we have no clue when that time might come, we had better make the most of the days with which we have been blessed. The discussion unfolded from there as we talked about goals and aspirations, achievements and failures. We've all had these types of discussions in the past, I'm quite sure, but they never seem to get old.
On the heels of this discussion we found ourselves driving into what was becoming a bit of a snowstorm. Now, mind you, I am from Nebraska and have driven through my share of pretty nasty winter weather. This particular storm was nothing, comparatively speaking. As we approached Sioux Falls, however, it seemed to be getting a bit worse. Even so, it certainly wasn't anything to write home about. At least not until after we had encountered, "the bridge."
Before I continue, allow me to sidetrack a bit: You know those annoying little signs they always post right before bridges warning you that the bridge may be icy? "CAUTION: BRIDGE MAY BE ICY." Even in the dead of August when it's 10,000 degrees outside, those stupid signs are still there. "CAUTION: BRIDGE MAY BE ICY" Hello? Roads department? Have you noticed how frickin' hot it is out here?? Could ya maybe consider taking down your god damn sign until it's really necessary? But I digress...you see, because those signs are up all year, I have come to the point that I don't necessarily pay attention to them anymore. I know they are there, but I rarely consider what they have to say might actually be true.
Back to "the bridge." We began to ascend toward the peak of a bridge, and as we crossed the actual bridge, I began to realize I had lost all control of the truck and we were sliding at 75 mph. In a fraction of a second, many thoughts went through my mind, including a recap of the discussion we had just entertained ourselves with for an hour. My natural instincts to over-correct the steering wheel kicked in, and I began to turn the wheel in the direction I felt it needed to go. I then realized (still within this fraction of a second, mind you) that if we hit the dry pavement with my wheels cranked as they were, we would most-certainly roll, and who knows if we would survive. So, I began to steer the wheel back a bit in the hopes of saving the spin once we hit the dry pavement.
We were sliding closer and closer to the median, and quite honestly, I had no clue how this was going to end. At some point during the split second we were out-of-control, I remember thinking we would be fortunate if all we did was end up in the median. I knew, even after correcting myself with the wheels, that rolling was a distinct possibility. Amazing what the mind can process in a such a brief moment of time. Somehow, someway, we fishtailed a bit after we got past the ice and ended up in the same direction we started in, and on all four tires. No harm, no foul. Shaken? You bet. Pale? Absolutely. Lucky? Without a doubt.
Now I don't know if this whole incident was meant to happen in order to reinforce to myself my own preaching, but the timing of it all sure seems sensational. I am thankful to have been blessed with life, I am thankful for having survived our South Dakota bridge incident, and I will go forward from here with an even greater appreciation. Oh, and I will damn hard to take no regrets to my grave.
Peace.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
I'm Still Alive!!!!!
How in God's name can it be April 20th already? How is that possible?? I swear I just finished wrapping gifts and placing them underneath the Christmas tree, and yet here we are on the verge of Spring already. Funny how that works, because as fast as time has seemingly blown right on by, this winter has been especially long and harsh, at least compared to the last several Nebraska winters.
But I didn't come here to tell you that today.
Actually, I'm not at all sure what exactly I did come here to tell you. I've got so many different topics floating around in the dark crevices of my bean that I'm not so sure where to begin. In all honesty, I guess the real reason for this particular post is to simply let you know that I am still amongst the living and breathing. I'm still here. Usually. At least in the flesh.
Still, for lack of a better way of recapping all that has occurred since the last time I posted anything (which was about the exciting end to the adoption proceedings - you can read it here), I'm going to provide a short list of the events that have taken place:
Our church hosted its biggest outreach event of the year the weekend before Easter, called the Big Hunt. Hundreds of kids and their parents, thousands of candy-stuffed plastic eggs, tons of prizes, tons of food, tons of fun. My wife was a volunteer, which took lots of her time during the few weeks before the event. My contribution was to stay home with the kids so she could contribute directly. That's okay, right?
Our house officially went on the market several weeks ago, and we have begun looking for a bigger and better place. We have sort of stalled though. We've had a couple of serious lookers, but they have not panned out. At least not yet. Things just aren't moving very fast right now, though we've been told the market is on the brink of change. Still, it's proven to be an excruciating process thus far, if for no other reason that the waiting game.
Kaedyn started Spring soccer. He's in a more competitive league this year, though still run by the YMCA. He has really made some progress in his abilities. It's enough to bring tears of pride to his Dad's eyes. His first few games were on Friday evenings, which prevented me from attending due to work. But he had one this afternoon (Sunday), so I finally got to see him play. He really has command of his game, and communicates with his teammates very well. He even scored this afternoon, too! It was quite exciting!!
Mandi and I attended her sister's wedding in Florida this past weekend. It was amazing. Seriously. We flew out of Omaha early Saturday morning, and it was blowing, snowing, and cold. When we landed on Marco Island, Florida, it was 86 degrees, sunny, and wonderful! We spend three days at Marco Beach Ocean Resort, and made the absolute most of our time. We went on a excursion to see dolphins and hunt for sea shells, spent lots and lots of time on the beach, went on a private cruise into the gulf to watch the sunset, then enjoyed a fancy dinner and drinks after the wedding itself. An incredible time we won't soon forget, and I will post pictures very soon.
And finally, you had to know this was coming. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the Huskers officially kicked off the Bo Pelini era with their annual Red-White Spring Game this weekend. It was only the second time in NCAA history that a Spring game has been sold out. 82,000+ packed the old stadium to cheer on the...uh...er...Big Red, and, um, Big White, I guess. Anyway, so it was just a practice. If you don't know anything about Husker Football, I can't possibly expect you to understand. It's exciting. Anticipation is once again very high, and lots of folks are hoping the new coaching staff will usher in some good old fashioned Nebraska-style smash-mouth football.
Well, that's mostly it. I've had a few other events dotted in and amongst what I have listed above. Definitely enough to keep me very busy. I will leave you with this - I briefly mentioned in the past a new adventure I have begun. I am growing more and more passionate about this adventure with each passing day. I am going to do a full write-up on it in my next post, which will be in the next few days, and I can't wait to tell you about it. Until then, peace.
But I didn't come here to tell you that today.
Actually, I'm not at all sure what exactly I did come here to tell you. I've got so many different topics floating around in the dark crevices of my bean that I'm not so sure where to begin. In all honesty, I guess the real reason for this particular post is to simply let you know that I am still amongst the living and breathing. I'm still here. Usually. At least in the flesh.
Still, for lack of a better way of recapping all that has occurred since the last time I posted anything (which was about the exciting end to the adoption proceedings - you can read it here), I'm going to provide a short list of the events that have taken place:
Our church hosted its biggest outreach event of the year the weekend before Easter, called the Big Hunt. Hundreds of kids and their parents, thousands of candy-stuffed plastic eggs, tons of prizes, tons of food, tons of fun. My wife was a volunteer, which took lots of her time during the few weeks before the event. My contribution was to stay home with the kids so she could contribute directly. That's okay, right?
Our house officially went on the market several weeks ago, and we have begun looking for a bigger and better place. We have sort of stalled though. We've had a couple of serious lookers, but they have not panned out. At least not yet. Things just aren't moving very fast right now, though we've been told the market is on the brink of change. Still, it's proven to be an excruciating process thus far, if for no other reason that the waiting game.
Kaedyn started Spring soccer. He's in a more competitive league this year, though still run by the YMCA. He has really made some progress in his abilities. It's enough to bring tears of pride to his Dad's eyes. His first few games were on Friday evenings, which prevented me from attending due to work. But he had one this afternoon (Sunday), so I finally got to see him play. He really has command of his game, and communicates with his teammates very well. He even scored this afternoon, too! It was quite exciting!!
Mandi and I attended her sister's wedding in Florida this past weekend. It was amazing. Seriously. We flew out of Omaha early Saturday morning, and it was blowing, snowing, and cold. When we landed on Marco Island, Florida, it was 86 degrees, sunny, and wonderful! We spend three days at Marco Beach Ocean Resort, and made the absolute most of our time. We went on a excursion to see dolphins and hunt for sea shells, spent lots and lots of time on the beach, went on a private cruise into the gulf to watch the sunset, then enjoyed a fancy dinner and drinks after the wedding itself. An incredible time we won't soon forget, and I will post pictures very soon.
And finally, you had to know this was coming. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the Huskers officially kicked off the Bo Pelini era with their annual Red-White Spring Game this weekend. It was only the second time in NCAA history that a Spring game has been sold out. 82,000+ packed the old stadium to cheer on the...uh...er...Big Red, and, um, Big White, I guess. Anyway, so it was just a practice. If you don't know anything about Husker Football, I can't possibly expect you to understand. It's exciting. Anticipation is once again very high, and lots of folks are hoping the new coaching staff will usher in some good old fashioned Nebraska-style smash-mouth football.
Well, that's mostly it. I've had a few other events dotted in and amongst what I have listed above. Definitely enough to keep me very busy. I will leave you with this - I briefly mentioned in the past a new adventure I have begun. I am growing more and more passionate about this adventure with each passing day. I am going to do a full write-up on it in my next post, which will be in the next few days, and I can't wait to tell you about it. Until then, peace.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
It's A Boy!
We'll call it 11:36 a.m. officially. That was about the time yesterday's adoption hearing ended, and about the time Kaedyn became a Campbell and is from this day forward, legally considered my son. While the relationship between he and I has not, nor will not change, it is incredibly satisfying to now have all of the legal rights as a father. I no longer have to concern myself with the legal ramifications of trying to protect Kaedyn from his biological father. No more worries of being in contempt by not allowing court-ordered visitations. No more worries about who has what rights, legally and/or morally. It's very refreshing, and a wonderful feeling, and thanks to all of you who offered words of support and encouragement.
As far as the hearing itself, it was much easier and much quicker than we had anticipated. Per our attorney, we expected a line of questioning from the judge pertaining to the parental responsibility Andy (Kaedyn's bio-father) had displayed in recent months. Instead, he simply asked Kaedyn a few "small-talk" questions as he signed the papers, and that was that. Our attorney said nary a word, besides to thank the judge when the hearing ended. It all happened so quick, we found ourselves a bit dazed. Oh, and in case you hadn't figured it out, Andy did not appear yesterday. Which begs the question of whether or not he even knew the hearing was taking place. Doesn't matter now, I guess.
I'm certainly not ignorant enough to think we'll never have to deal with him again, as I'm sure the time will come when Andy will call or stop by with a desire to see Kaedyn. And, I'm certain there will come a time in the future, near or distant, when Kaedyn will express a desire to see Andy. Therein lies the challenge; we will go forward from here, but very carefully so as to remain open, understanding, and sensitive to Kaedyn's feelings about and toward Andy.
But for now, Kaedyn is legally my son as of 11:36 a.m. yesterday, which means I need to give that guy at the tobacco shop a call - going to need a box of "It's a Boy!" cigars!!
As far as the hearing itself, it was much easier and much quicker than we had anticipated. Per our attorney, we expected a line of questioning from the judge pertaining to the parental responsibility Andy (Kaedyn's bio-father) had displayed in recent months. Instead, he simply asked Kaedyn a few "small-talk" questions as he signed the papers, and that was that. Our attorney said nary a word, besides to thank the judge when the hearing ended. It all happened so quick, we found ourselves a bit dazed. Oh, and in case you hadn't figured it out, Andy did not appear yesterday. Which begs the question of whether or not he even knew the hearing was taking place. Doesn't matter now, I guess.
I'm certainly not ignorant enough to think we'll never have to deal with him again, as I'm sure the time will come when Andy will call or stop by with a desire to see Kaedyn. And, I'm certain there will come a time in the future, near or distant, when Kaedyn will express a desire to see Andy. Therein lies the challenge; we will go forward from here, but very carefully so as to remain open, understanding, and sensitive to Kaedyn's feelings about and toward Andy.
But for now, Kaedyn is legally my son as of 11:36 a.m. yesterday, which means I need to give that guy at the tobacco shop a call - going to need a box of "It's a Boy!" cigars!!
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Court Hearing
This coming Tuesday has the potential to be quite the historical event in the life of the Campbell Clan. Our first court hearing, and the next step in the proceedings to adopt Kaedyn, is slated for Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. We hope it is the last hearing, as well.
To quickly update you, our attorney made a few attempts at contacting Kaedyn's biological father, Andy, to serve notice of the court hearing on Tuesday. He was unable to locate Andy after attempting several different possible addresses, so we moved to the next step of publishing a public notice. Still no response from Andy. This doesn't mean he did not see the notice, it just means he didn't respond. He still has the right to appear at Tuesday's hearing and contest the proceedings, and my guess is he will do just that if he is indeed aware the hearing is taking place.
We were visited by a guardian ad litem last Saturday, as per required procedure. The guardian's purpose was to visit with us and make sure we understand exactly what adopting Kaedyn means in terms of parental rights and responsibilities, and to make sure Kaedyn is completely comfortable and has a grasp of what we are doing, and why. The guardian seemed satisfied with his visit, and will recommend the adoption to the judge on Tuesday.
At this point, this whole thing can go one of two ways: first, and optimally, Andy does not show up at the hearing, we present our evidence for the adoption of Kaedyn, the judge approves, hearing over. Let the celebration begin! Or, second, Andy does show up, can't put his pride and therefore good judgement aside, argues against us and the adoption, the judge sets a trial date, and we prepare for a potentially long, drawn-out court battle against a person who, in my humble opinion, lost the right to be a father a very long time ago.
While scenario #2 above would be the more difficult path to have to follow, we are very confident in our evidence against Andy and have no reason to believe he would stand a chance to win. We are very quickly approaching a full year since he has had contact with Kaedyn. No phone calls, no letters, not even so much as an attempt at contact. Furthermore, we have received a whopping $60 in child support since last April. Laughable. The lack of contact and child support is the most compelling evidence against Andy, and would most-certainly bury him in the eyes of a judge, but we would still prefer not to even have to present that evidence in a court battle. My biggest reasoning for this is because I just don't want Kaedyn to have to be exposed to what will surely be an emotionally-charged proceeding. I have no doubts it could even get ugly at times, and my son has already been through enough. I pray, and I hope, it all ends Tuesday.
I will keep you posted, as always. I thank you for your thoughts, prayers, encouragement, and support. I ask you for more of the same as Tuesday approaches.
To quickly update you, our attorney made a few attempts at contacting Kaedyn's biological father, Andy, to serve notice of the court hearing on Tuesday. He was unable to locate Andy after attempting several different possible addresses, so we moved to the next step of publishing a public notice. Still no response from Andy. This doesn't mean he did not see the notice, it just means he didn't respond. He still has the right to appear at Tuesday's hearing and contest the proceedings, and my guess is he will do just that if he is indeed aware the hearing is taking place.
We were visited by a guardian ad litem last Saturday, as per required procedure. The guardian's purpose was to visit with us and make sure we understand exactly what adopting Kaedyn means in terms of parental rights and responsibilities, and to make sure Kaedyn is completely comfortable and has a grasp of what we are doing, and why. The guardian seemed satisfied with his visit, and will recommend the adoption to the judge on Tuesday.
At this point, this whole thing can go one of two ways: first, and optimally, Andy does not show up at the hearing, we present our evidence for the adoption of Kaedyn, the judge approves, hearing over. Let the celebration begin! Or, second, Andy does show up, can't put his pride and therefore good judgement aside, argues against us and the adoption, the judge sets a trial date, and we prepare for a potentially long, drawn-out court battle against a person who, in my humble opinion, lost the right to be a father a very long time ago.
While scenario #2 above would be the more difficult path to have to follow, we are very confident in our evidence against Andy and have no reason to believe he would stand a chance to win. We are very quickly approaching a full year since he has had contact with Kaedyn. No phone calls, no letters, not even so much as an attempt at contact. Furthermore, we have received a whopping $60 in child support since last April. Laughable. The lack of contact and child support is the most compelling evidence against Andy, and would most-certainly bury him in the eyes of a judge, but we would still prefer not to even have to present that evidence in a court battle. My biggest reasoning for this is because I just don't want Kaedyn to have to be exposed to what will surely be an emotionally-charged proceeding. I have no doubts it could even get ugly at times, and my son has already been through enough. I pray, and I hope, it all ends Tuesday.
I will keep you posted, as always. I thank you for your thoughts, prayers, encouragement, and support. I ask you for more of the same as Tuesday approaches.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Reflections of a Thirty-Six-Year-Old
Today marks the 36th anniversary of my birthday, and I put it that way for a number of reasons. I admit the underlying reason is most-likely due to my attendance at a workshop a few days ago, where I was introduced to some ideas on conflict resolution. The instructor was in the midst of a discussion on verbal cues and voice inflections, and how we often hear something different than what the person speaking to us actually intended on saying. To make his argument, he asked us five separate questions and we were to write our answers on paper. One of the questions was, "How many birthdays does the average human being have?" We tend to focus on the word 'average' in the above sentence, and then proceed to write our best, scientific and/or biological guess pertaining the average human lifespan. The answer? One. Humans only have one actual birthday, then we often celebrate the annual anniversary of that birthday. Hard to argue with such logic.
As this day approached over the course of the last few weeks, my wife and family asked me several times how I wanted to celebrate. My immediate reaction was to tell them I wasn't interested in celebrating, per se. I didn't really need any reminders that I am another year older, and I certainly didn't need and/or want to celebrate that fact with a lot of attention and unnecessary hoopla. As I arose this morning for my usual run, however, a thought occurred to me. Maybe I should celebrate. Maybe I should thank God for blessing me with another year of existence. Maybe I should greet this day with a celebratory attitude, and reflect a bit on this thirty-six-year-old life. After all, it's been quite the ride thus far, and while we are never guaranteed anything, all of the forthcoming events in my future and that of my family makes things look quite peachy.
So, as the dogs and I approached the end of the driveway to begin our morning trot, I lifted my face to the sky and silently prayed something of the following:
'Thank you, God, for this day. Thank you for the blessing of my thirty-six years. Thank you for providing me with a life-partner who keeps me grounded and completes me. Thank you for my kids who keep me young, make me laugh, and help me see the immense beauty in the tiny things. Thank you for my amazing family, both immediate and extended. Thank you for the blessing of friends with whom to share life-experiences. Thank you for the sunrise this morning, and the serenade of the birds. Thank you for the basics: a home, nourishment, and health. Thank you for the prospects of a bright future. Yes, Lord, thank you for this day and a thirty-sixth anniversary celebration of my birthday. Amen.'
Finally, another realization hit me square in the face early on this morning. It dawned on me just how much I enjoy recognizing and celebrating others' birthday anniversaries. Maybe I ought to think about that whilst my family and friends desire to recognize me on this day. Maybe I ought to quit being such a grump about it, and live in the moment. Thus, my resolve for today is to welcome the good wishes of others, and appreciate this thirty-six-year-anniversary-of-my-birthday.......aw, screw it - it's a birthday, for Pete's sake!
As this day approached over the course of the last few weeks, my wife and family asked me several times how I wanted to celebrate. My immediate reaction was to tell them I wasn't interested in celebrating, per se. I didn't really need any reminders that I am another year older, and I certainly didn't need and/or want to celebrate that fact with a lot of attention and unnecessary hoopla. As I arose this morning for my usual run, however, a thought occurred to me. Maybe I should celebrate. Maybe I should thank God for blessing me with another year of existence. Maybe I should greet this day with a celebratory attitude, and reflect a bit on this thirty-six-year-old life. After all, it's been quite the ride thus far, and while we are never guaranteed anything, all of the forthcoming events in my future and that of my family makes things look quite peachy.
So, as the dogs and I approached the end of the driveway to begin our morning trot, I lifted my face to the sky and silently prayed something of the following:
'Thank you, God, for this day. Thank you for the blessing of my thirty-six years. Thank you for providing me with a life-partner who keeps me grounded and completes me. Thank you for my kids who keep me young, make me laugh, and help me see the immense beauty in the tiny things. Thank you for my amazing family, both immediate and extended. Thank you for the blessing of friends with whom to share life-experiences. Thank you for the sunrise this morning, and the serenade of the birds. Thank you for the basics: a home, nourishment, and health. Thank you for the prospects of a bright future. Yes, Lord, thank you for this day and a thirty-sixth anniversary celebration of my birthday. Amen.'
Finally, another realization hit me square in the face early on this morning. It dawned on me just how much I enjoy recognizing and celebrating others' birthday anniversaries. Maybe I ought to think about that whilst my family and friends desire to recognize me on this day. Maybe I ought to quit being such a grump about it, and live in the moment. Thus, my resolve for today is to welcome the good wishes of others, and appreciate this thirty-six-year-anniversary-of-my-birthday.......aw, screw it - it's a birthday, for Pete's sake!
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