Blessed Reflections

As I was praying this week, I began to reflect on my life thus far. Funny how you do that more after you hit fifty. You start reading the obituaries more, not because you're concerned about who died, but how close to your age they were. But back to the point, I realized that even though there are things I would have liked to have accomplished, millionaire by age forty, retired at fifty-five, seriously though a doctorate, my own senior pastorate, a home paid for and no debt, a pottery/art studio for hobbies...all in all...I am blessed... no... immensely blessed. Life... no, God doesn't always lead us down the roads we would necessarily choose. But then, that's probably a good thing. What if I had done this or done that, pursued this degree or stayed with that job? I might not have married the wonderful woman that I did and then we wouldn't have had the 'perfect' kids that we did. (Oh my gosh, I might have had some of those horrible brats I've seen in the stores and restaurants through the years!) Or worse, none at all!
All kidding aside, I truly believe that I am hugely blessed with four of the best children in the world. I have been reflecting on how each has turned out, each with their own special talents and abilities and callings. Each with a unique entreprenurial drive that has taken them down different paths. Each with a spiritual awakening at an early age that has continued into adulthood and continues to deepen. It amazes me as I talk with each of the depth of their spiritual insights and maturity. Just a few days ago, these were children that couldn't find their own shoes or make a peanut butter sandwich for themselves. Now they are making huge lifechanging decisions on their own, affecting the physical and eternal lives of others. Now they are beginning to have children of their own that are already becoming spiritually aware. (Don't blink you'll miss it! It all flies by too fast.) I would love to have the last thirty-five years back again, there's a few things I would do differently, but then the Lord, in His infinite wisdom, had a plan. Some day I'll know all the whys and wherefores and then I'll understand. Until then I'll just try to enjoy the ride and continue to try to make a difference.

Philip. 1:4-6
In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.