36 & Counting

I should be doing my homework but instead I’m going to write a birthday blog (some people never change). This is what I wrote last year There have been momentous occasions since last year. I’ve decided to start a second career, we are expecting our first child and in the past few months I’ve lost a couple of old Bible college friends who were about the same age as I am. It’s been nuts to say the least.

There’s something I’ve noticed about myself as I get older. I really don’t worry about much anymore. Maybe by God’s grace, I haven’t been put into a situation where I need to worry a whole lot lately, which I’m extremely grateful for. Sure I still worry about the Laker’s title chances every year, but that’s the only thing I’ve consistently worried about. I haven’t signed my contract to return to teaching yet, but I’m not worried about it. I believe the contract will be provided from somewhere (I just found out I won't be returning to the same school. Bummer.). My daughter isn’t born yet, but I’m not sweating the “life altering experience” (more on this in a later blog). I do stress out about homework, but it always gets done. I’m content with life, yet I want to be ambitious and want to do more with myself.

Furthermore, I’ve learned to appreciate things a lot more. If losing a couple of friends to massive heart attacks doesn’t sober you up, I don’t know what will. For example, the other day my wife and I bought some flowers to plant in the front yard. We spent the better part of the day driving to the store, picking out the flowers (aka the cheapest ones), and digging up dirt to place them in. As you know, I don’t like to work, but for some reason it was enjoyable. Maybe it was because my wife and I are building a home together. Maybe I’m realizing more and more that the phrase, “everyday is a gift” is not a cliché but a theological truth and a picture of God’s grace.

(Speaking of “gifts,” my wife and the in-laws pitched in and bought a BBQ for me for my birthday present. We spent tons of money upgrading the backyard, so getting a BBQ to finish it off was essential. I’ll have to wait until next year for them to get me the propane tank so I can actually use it.)

Now please don’t take my lack of anxiety as apathy. Nothing could be further from the truth. I’m more passionate about the Lakers because of their recent acquisition of Steve Nash (and maybe Dwight Howard). Life is about to get more interesting with a child on the way and Chris Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises opening next week. But most importantly, the Lord always keeps things interesting. The Lord is inexhaustible. You will always learn new things or understand things you already know even better as you pursue intimacy with the Almighty (I think that’s even a title to a book).

Hey! Maybe the arrival of our first child will increase intimacy with the Lord. At least that’s what I keep hearing will happen. I have no doubt my knowledge and relationship with God will gain a deeper understanding when our baby arrives. This should be interesting.