Bumper Sticker

I saw a great bumper sticker yesterday as I was driving to class which read, "When Jesus said love your enemies I think he probably meant don't kill them."

This Week

I am looking forward to this week. It seems to hold a lot of goodness.

Monday a class ends, and Tuesday I turn in the last major paper of the semester for another class. Wednesday I look forward to going to the Town Hall celebration for the men at my internship and reconnecting with all of the great guys there.

If that wasn't enough, the kids are on spring break––so hopefully there will be some EdVentures in store. It would be great to go mountain biking and play basketball/Legos/Wii/wrestling/etc. with Sam. And, I'm sure there will be crafts, imaginative play, and walks with Alina.

Happy Birthday Sam

"She named him Samuel, saying, 'Because I asked the LORD for him'" (I Samuel 1:20).

Ten years ago today Sam came into the world. Long before we even thought about having kids, I prayed for a son. I wanted to be the kind of dad that I didn't have. When Jean became pregnant we decided not to find out if we were having a girl or a boy. After 20 hours of labor for Jean, she delivered our son. When I saw that it was a boy, I cried because God had answered my prayer. We named our son Samuel because we had asked the LORD for him.

And I am only now beginning to learn what asking the LORD for him really means. Even though we are shaping Sam, Sam is also shaping us. He has helped me become a gentler, kinder, and more patient man. I am thankful that God gave me the very son our family needed. Lots of energy, lots of hunger, a love for play a big smile, and a sensitive spirit. Happy Birthday Buddy!

Why

Why do I forget that eating almonds give me the hiccups?

Ready to Ride

Today it is 61º. I tuned my bike and put on a new chain. The rest of the drive train looked good. Tomorrow––if the heavy rain holds off––I ride.

Lasts

Today is a day of more "lasts." Today is the last time I register for classes at MHGS. Today I register for Old Testament, Group Therapy, and Vocational & Occupational Therapy. The last three classes I need to graduate.

I've already experienced many "lasts." Last day of internship. Last day of Celtic Spirituality. Last time seeing a friend. This coming Monday will be the last day of Case Conference. The Lasts bring excitement of what may be next, and grief of ending.

Grief

One of my dear friends has passed away. His massive heart attack Sunday is still unbelievable, and that he has now passed away gives me deep sadness. We have sat in every class together, and he has become a trusted friend. I will miss him.

Developing Faith

Most of us are not the recipients of sudden blinding flashes or spiritual light which change our lives for ever and signal that no further effort is required on our part. We are often very reluctant to accept that faith is something that develops and grows gradually and which involves taking risks and being prepared to follow detours and false trails as we seek out the right way.

––Ian Bradley, The Celtic Way