Hope

This is one of my favorite words. When I am down and not feeling quite excited about life, I reflect on the idea, or better, the question, "Where is my Hope?" If you are a Christian, as I am, the answer is quite easy. We are taught, and I fully believe, that our hope is in Christ, our Lord. This is important because it helps keep things in perspective.

However, I believe that it is okay to hope that your favorite college football team will run the table and make it to the BCS title game. It is okay to hope that you will get an iPod for Christmas. But these are minor in comparison to important things in life.

Today I received a call from my neighbor. His wife just lost her brother. On Friday, I came home to two kids throwing up all over the place- "All over the place" meaning the carpet, the carpet, and the couch, not to mention the tiled floor (which, by the way, is easy to clean up) and the walls. It is in these moments that we remember that our hope is in Christ. I do not trust in myself, but I trust in God. I do not rest on the phone call to the doctors or pychologist's office, but in God. Yes, both are tools, but the ultimate reality is that God is in control and when push comes to shove, it is in him that I put my hope.

So do I hope that Penn State will be in the BCS title game? Yes!. But more importantly, I hope that God will protect my kids, keep players on both side safe, and comfort my neighbor. It is because I believe in God, that I have an honest or realistic view of hope.

Seizable Moments

What are some of your most precious moments in your life? I remember learning how to ski, hanging out with Kurt for the first time, telling my wife that I could fall in love with her before we even started to date (so she wasn't feeling well, we were in the middle of Mexico, and she didn't remember), saying "I DO" to that same intelligent and beautiful woman, and the birth of my children (McKenna and Liam). These are just a few that truly stand out.

This weekend I was blessed to have another one of the moments. Actually it a happens two or three times a year. It comes when my mom comes to visit. The seizable moment is not our arguments over politics and social issues, but in watching her spend time with my children. This is actually a better example of two seizable moments. The first is seen in my mom taking the time with her grandchildren. This weekend she was able to go with McKenna to her school and participate in preschool Halloween activities. That same night, she went tricker-treating with Jennifer and the kids around a friends neighborhood. How awesome! The next moment I witnessed. It is that moment where onerealizes that being a grandparent is something special. It appears, a least to me, that a grandparent understands the simplicity of time and the reality that the time with their grandchildren is short. Something I know, but do not fully understand or take the time to seize.

My closing thought centers on a picture I would like to paint for you. The setting was my family room couch. The characters were my mom and my son (Liam). The tone was peaceful and simple. Liam sat there on her lap, snuggling like he so often does with Jennifer or myself. His fingers were in his mouth and he was a peaceful and a calm day off the coast of Maine. He had no worries or concern, just enjoying the day with Grandma. Not missing is how my mom was also at peace. She sat there soaking up those minutes, seizing the moment.

I hope that you get a chance to recognize those seizable moments in your life. If you have a minute, take time to share one of your own.