The Beginning: It’s All Intertwined

Welcome, I’m glad you’re here.

Life is complex and faith can be challenging. I love the mix that is the intertwining of faith with life. I enjoy bringing faith into the context of both the common and non-traditional places. By faith I mean a trust in God, an acceptance of Him and a dependence on Him throughout our time on this spinning ball. I think it’s silly to ignore our faith or be silent about it. It’s all we have when we gather to remember those who have passed; why not have it be relevant throughout every day rather than just at funerals, weddings and Sunday mornings?

I’m a designer, and businessman (such a non-designer word). I’ve been married for 33 years, have 5 kids, and have lived through many seasons, both  joyous and difficult. I’m genuinely excited about the next chapter of my life. It seems strange to refer to life as chapters, but I am a sucker for metaphors. 

I’m young at heart -- which is what old people say to make themselves feel young. I am facing the reality that I’m no longer young. I even refer to myself as someone who is “in my late 50’s” instead of just saying 59. I’m clearly just in denial. Honestly, I’m not sure how I got to this age so fast. It feels like I was in my 40’s a year ago and now I’m trying to hold 60 at bay!

I was just going about my life and then the days turned into weeks, weeks into months… you know the rest. You arrive at an age, any age really, but especially the decade milestones, and you look back and say, “Wow, that was fast.” I gave the eulogy at my Grandmother’s funeral a few years back and while she lived to the ripe old age of 107, I recall saying, “Wow, that went by quickly.”

My son, David, shared with me how he is beginning to freak out about his age. He turned 31 last November and finds himself taking inventory of his life, but by “inventory” he really means “comparison.” It’s natural to compare our lives to those around us: what milestones have I achieved and where might I be lacking? 

I’m not any different. I find myself comparing and asking “now what?” As you age you see comparison as a fruitless exercise; it either makes you feel great because you are doing so much better than others or awful because you don’t measure up. Age has a way of reducing the power of comparisons. I came away from my 40th class reunion grateful for being able to walk without a cane. You’ve likely heard it said that death is the great equalizer. Well, so is age. The waves of comparison subside more and more as time progresses, ultimately flattening out at death. At any age faith is the best method for calming the storms of comparison. Chuck Colson, the founder of Prison Fellowship said, “the ground is level at the foot of the cross.”

 I have no idea where you find yourself on your journey and I have no idea if my journey will help you or not. I am certainly not here pretending that I can bring everyone value. But I know someone is out there that will resonate with some of what I write. I’m aiming at you and I can’t wait to hear from you. I’m not hoping to receive anything from you. The goal of my fourth quarter, metaphorically speaking, is to provide something of value that someone can benefit from long after I’m gone.

 There is an upside down aspect to faith. You have to lose your life to find it, give to get, and share to be refreshed. So as I look back over my years and all of the wisdom I have gleaned, I’m here to share what I wish someone would have given to me. So glad you’re along for the journey.