Back in the game

The sound of the ball, the thrill of the score, and satisfaction of “leaving it all on the field” are just a few things I enjoy about playing soccer. The end of July marks the last day of recovery from back surgery. Total recover time lasts sixteen weeks and although I feel much better than I did prior to surgery, I have to approach certain things with extra caution. Soccer is one thing that will still be a few more weeks. I can't wait!

The paradox for me lies not in the recovery time, but in the fact that I haven’t played for over 10 years. No one likes to be injured or hurt, but it’s interesting how they open our eyes to the things missing from our lives and awaken our passions. They allow us to feel the urgency and determination to take that first step into the things have been disabled by fears or procrastinations.

I have a confession to make. Although I love soccer, my wanting to play is really not about the sport to me. What I really miss is being able to kick a ball around with my two beautiful daughters, which I haven’t been able to do since last September.

In a small way, this is what life is about. This is worth the first step.

I am counting the days.

Deathbed Regrets: Part 4/5

#2 "I wish I had told _____ I loved them more (or at all)."

I don't think we could ever say this enough to the ones we love!

...

I love you Alethea! I love you, Olathe! I love you, Davia!
I am so glad God blessed me with you. You are the most wonderful family anyone could ever ask for!

Deathbed Regrets: Part 1/5

In a recent Maximized Living newsletter, Dr. Ben Lerner listed the "Top 5 Deathbed Regrets." As I read over them, I thought it might be a good idea to personalize each one, so here we go...

#5 "I wish I had spent less time on my job and more with my family."

This is one that seems nice in theory, but in actuality is a pretty hard one to accomplish. I find it ironic that most people who work to live, end up living to work. The daily grind is not easily escaped, especially since it is a necessity to support a family in today's economy. So how would one, or should I say I, go about my life as to avoid this deathbed woe?

When time is tight because of work or other obligations maybe a key to this one would be "meaning in the moments." This is something I know I could be more intentional in. When I have time and moments with my family I should probably ask myself how to make this the most meaningful. That doesn't mean expensive. It doesn't mean extravagant. It might simple mean that kiss on the forehead and prayer as I tuck my girls in to sleep at night. It might mean that grocery list gets split up and a scavenger hunt ensues for the lowest priced merchandise in the best time. It might mean turning the computer off and setting something demanding aside to eat dinner together with my family. Maybe it's being "fully present" in a conversation with my wife or kids. Overall, the term "meaning in the moment" seems to best describe what I am trying to say.

Most of us have to work to make ends meet, so let's make the most of every moment we are given with our families and create memories we will never regret.

Back To School

This week I found myself sitting in a classroom surrounded by young, ministry-bound college students thirteen years after I left the student lifestyle myself.

I am currently taking two classes (M-W-F and T-TH) during my lunch break at Moody Bible Institute where I work full-time in the Public Relations department. It is really interesting learning in a classroom once again. It seems like I am able to assimilate the material much easier now having a broader foundation of experience to pull from and I'm lovin' it!

Sure, I am nervous. Yeah, it will be time consuming. But I am enjoying the journey this time around and learning has a much greater value to me than a piece of paper that says "degree."