Friday, October 26, 2012

Mailbox Down

Our Mailbox Had a Bad Day
What you see in this image is a picture of what our mailbox looked like this morning after I went into work.  Some time between the time I pulled out of our driveway and the time my wife got out of bed, this happened.  The driver, being the courteous and responsible sort (forgive my slight cynicism here),  decided not to come to the door and wake up my sleeping toddler and wife, instead just driving away as if nothing happened.  Yes - this was a hit-and-run situation.

Now, I'm upset that this is the fourth time in a couple of years that we've had to put up a mailbox.  However, I hope that God can find a way into the heart of the person responsible for this, and let said individual know that this has been forgiven.  To repair this will cost me a little bit of time (including fixing any minor damages to the box itself), energy, and less than $50.  The amount of damage done to the vehicle that hit this mailbox will easily surpass that number.  Plus, since there were car parts scattered all over our front lawn, we contacted the police department.  While I doubt the police ever find the person that did this, I hope that God does.  It had to be scary, hitting this mailbox.  I'm sure it made a lot of noise, and hurt their car badly.  It's hard to be genuine in a textual blog, but I hope my message to this anonymous driver doesn't come across as cynical - I really do feel bad for the person that felt like they couldn't take responsibility for this accident.

Because we've had many cases of mailbox baseball, we decided to "armor up" our box a bit.  That 4x4 sheared clean off of its concrete base, so the driver that hit the mailbox had to be travelling pretty fast.  Plus, the post is set back from the road approximately 2 feet, which means they probably jacked up their suspension, too.  We suffered a minor property casualty.  I have to imagine the person that did this has been shaken to their core, at least briefly.  Hopefully, this will make them a little safer of a driver, whoever it was.  Thank God that nobody was standing near that mailbox at the time this happened.

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Made to Learn and Grow

"Do yourself a favor and learn all you can; then remember what you learn and you will prosper." (Proverbs 19:8 TEV)

I have absolutely no doubt that God made me to learn and to grow.  I find almost no greater passion than when I can learn something, or when I can get better at something.  This applies in just about everything I do, so I hope to make it a point of glorifying God when I learn or improve.  God made me to desire this kind of growth, so I will do everything I can to embrace it.

A few areas that I know I need to continue growing my compassion, understanding, and love, in order of importance:

  • God
  • Becoming Like Jesus Christ
  • My wife and daughter
  • My career
God knows what He intends for me. I pray to continue to learn His will, and find guidance in all that I do.

Saturday, October 20, 2012

I Love My Job

This sounds like a funny thing for a guy to say who has been putting in tons of overtime recently, and will be likely to do it again if I need to. Working overtime, while a strain on my family, I find highly rewarding. When you love what you do as much as I do, overtime is a burden worth bearing. Hardly a day passes in which I do not wake up thanking God for the day ahead if me.
Sure, I have stressful days, and even weeks.  But the stress never overwhelms me for a long time, because I am so enthusiastic about what I do at the office.
Now, I love God for giving me something to do that I love so much. So, I do my best to glorify Him in my work. Sometimes, though, my love for my work causes undue stress on my family. I still need Gods help making sure that my family comes before my career, and that He comes first overall.

For those of you who read this post before now, I apologize - I wrote it on my phone, and didn't error check it before publishing it.

Monday, October 15, 2012

Fellowship Thoughts

Since this blog is public facing, and I don't yet have permission to do so, I'm going to keep the names of the two men I share fellowship with off of this blog, for now.  I assume that they wouldn't mind being mentioned publicly, but I'd rather be sure, first.

One of the most important things I've come to find during my time of fellowship with these guys is an increase in accountability towards my faith in God and Jesus Christ.  Admittedly, I haven't made the right kinds of effort in getting my butt into a pew, though I realize that sentiment probably detracts from the real truth.  I don't go to church right now, I haven't in many years.  I intend on changing that pattern very soon, but it's something that weighs on my heart as I continue to dive more deeply into my faith.  It was uncomfortable for me to admit this to them today, and even more-so for me to say so openly.  However, if I'm going to be accountable for what I do (and don't do) I have to admit to my shortcomings.  Faith isn't always comfortable, or easy - and this admission is no exception.

I know I'll be in church, soon. I know I'll be in a church that will help me strengthen my relationship with God and Jesus in ways that neither strong fellowship or personal devotional time can.  I will need your prayers in helping me to ensure that "soon" really is soon, and not just an empty word without promise.

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Ordinary Miracles

Before I go into my reflections for the day, I would like to ask for prayers for the family of my wife's uncle, who will pass into eternal life in the next few days.

Today, I would have been on time for work, were it not for a Semi driver looking for an enigma of a destination. He blocked the drive to the office and spent a good 10 minutes turning around in much too small of a space. The moment a clearing showed, a car zoomed into the parking lot behind me. That was lesson one, two years ago that was me.

By the time the truck had cleared the portion of the lot where I park, I was already 10 minutes late.  So, I used the next five to go help the very perplexed driver find his way. God worked through me today, putting me in a place where I could help with something so simple. Lesson two. Both say the same thing. What we do in our short time here on earth matters. So, I am going to do a little better not to rush and notice the important things.

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Why a Lion?

Well, I've actually found two reasons to consider myself a Lion of God.  First of all, my surname translates to "Lion Valley" (Valley of the Lions) which seems pertinent.  Second of all, C.S. Lewis imagining Jesus as a Lion has helped me connect personally with a metaphor that has potency in my own life.  Therefore, I consider myself in the same metaphor of the Lion.  Strong, for certain.  But, that strength ultimately comes from my creator and King, our God.

As time allows, I intend on focusing my attention on becoming one of God's warriors.  A Lion warrior, if you will. It won't be easy sometimes. But, easy is not the point. Unshakable faith is. Something I still need lots of work on.