Birthdays

Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Psalm 90:12

I still remember the gift that I received for my 8th birthday -- a watch. It was not just any watch, but a watch that had a teeter-totter instead of a second hand. Couldn't tell you why I remembered that or where it went to, but for some reason that watch is stuck in my brain.

The next eight days in the family have two birthdays -- my bride's in eight days, and mine being tomorrow. Number 42 for me. So lots of celebrating ahead. (Maybe needing a fire extinguisher to blow out the candles??)

There was a song that was played for Carrie and I at our wedding called "Life Means So Much" by Chris Rice. I'm a big fan of Mr. Rice and have been for a few years, "accidentally" discovering him in a mail order music club catalog. At the end of the song there is a phrase that I think could apply to not only marriages but ourselves as individuals:

Every day is a gift you've been given
Make the most of the time every minute you're livin'

Almost 42 and I still need to learn that.

For Carrie (and if anyone else wants to read it, that's ok):

You have seen me in some of my most trying times. You know that I am not the easiest man to live with, and through it all, I know that you love me. You know when I need a hug, and you know that I sometimes need a swift kick in the behind.

I love you, I love you, I love you. Happy (early) birthday, my bride.

The gift of today

Every day is a gift you've been given
Make the most of the time every minute you're livin'...

"Life Means So Much" -- Chris Rice

Today was a welcome respite from the meat grinder of last week. Mostly work, that is. I found myself once again inwardly fuming at what is going on at my workplace. Illogic drives me up the wall, and I felt like I was drowning in it, with all the changes in work coming at me. Don't get me wrong -- with the economy the way it is right now, I am truly grateful to have a job, and the post office has provided for me and my family in so many ways. Just wish that it would make more sense.

I have neglected the basics of what I believe for a long time now -- prayer, reading the Word and applying it -- that my reactions at work mirror so many of those who do not claim to be disciples of Jesus. (Side note -- if what I say is truly wrong -- please -- call me on it.) I can be abrasive, but should I be that way if I claim His name?

So what to do? Back to the basics. Make the most of the time I have every day and live it for the One I claim to follow. Live for Jesus and Him first.

Anyone want to come with me?

Never forget...

"Let's roll..."

September 11, 2001 was not a day I was looking forward to. Not in terms of anything dealing with national security, however, but the fact that I was facing a very long work day.

I am a letter carrier, and have been so for over 14 years now. On this day, I was on a route that involved lots of apartments and lots of those flyers that show up in your mailbox once a week. Since I was still learning this particular route, I knew was that it was going to be a VERY long day. (Or in technical terms, ugh.)

I was still at the station when the attacks happened. Snow, rain, or dark of night, yes, but I didn't sign up for planes hitting buildings. As far as I know, the latter was not in the postal motto.

My girlfriend found me later on that day, relieved that I was fine. (We still are -- married for over six years now.) And the route got done, and I got better at it as time passed.

Those on Flight 93 saw a problem, and they did something about it, even at the cost of losing their lives, and protected us. They drew a line to tell those that would want to harm us -- no more. Not now, not ever again.

To those who are defending us -- this letter carrier says thank you.

"I RACHEL!"

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. Psalm 139:13

I am blessed to be the father of two girls -- one who is the wise old age of two. Rachel is a challenge, but she is definitely a delight. With her it is black and white. Happy or sad. Laughing or mad -- and she can be a handful when she doesn't get what she wants. (All those who have or who have had two year olds raise your hands if you know what I'm talking about...) But I love her.

Little girls like to play dress up , and both of my daughters are no exception. Seeing them do that makes me fall in love with my two little princesses all over again. Sometimes I will ask Rachel if she is a princess, and she will tell me "No." When I ask her what she is, she will announce, "I Rachel!" To which I have no argument!

She knows who she is. So does the Master. I look forward to seeing her announce to her Creator, "I Rachel!" I look forward to hearing Him say to her, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

What more could her daddy ask for?

Something to say...

"Your life is the song that you sing, and the whole wide world is listening..." -- Matthew West

So I guess that we are going to give this a try. One thing that my bride Carrie (I never get tired of calling her that...) has encouraged me to do is to write. I can't say that I am the most polished author around.

Where will we go with this? Come with me on the journey...