Wednesday, April 09, 2008

30 Years of Undeserved Faithfulness

Today is the day. April 9, 1978 I was born. That was 30 years ago. This is my brief reflection on 30 years of undeserved faithfulness.

Many people never make it to 30. Many are aborted without even being given a chance. Many die in childhood of horrendous diseases b/c they don't even have access to clean water. Many die of tragic car accidents and the like in their teens and twenties...and yet none of this has been remotely close to me. Undeserved faithfulness.

I am no different than these who die before thirty. I was born in the United States of America. What did I do to deserve that? Nothing. It is a blessing undeserved. It is also a great responsibility.

I have wonderful parents. My mom and dad worked hard to raise me right. They loved me and gave me opportunities. They stayed married even through tough times. They didn't quit. And for all of this I am the one who is greatly blessed. Undeserved faithfulness.

I have a sister that I got in some good fights with as a kid. We had a lot of fun together. She is as blessed as I am, and now she is a wonderful and gracious young woman. Undeserved faithfulness.

I have a beautiful and wonderful wife who never quits loving me and serving me. I cannot figure this out. Even when I am the hardest person in the world to love and get along with, she is continually faithful to me. She is a godly wife and mother full of patience and kindness. We're moving towards our 7th anniversary this summer. Undeserved faithfulness.

I have two beautiful children who are healthy and full of life (see pictures in other blog entries). They bring joy upon joy into my life. They teach me the lessons of God in a real and tangible way. They allow me the great pleasure of bearing the title, "father." You can never get tired of hearing the word "daddy" energetically yelled out as you enter the door coming home from work. Undeserved faithfulness.

I have a relationship with Jesus Christ, the Sovereign Lord of the universe. Undeserved faithfulness in its fullest expression...that he would choose to redeem me, his enemy...that he would choose to do so by dying a brutal death...that he would continue in faithfulness to me as I daily continue in my struggle against sin. As I read Romans 9 this morning I am reminded that I was not saved b/c of something in me that was smart enough or was able to make the right decision to choose Christ. No I was saved by the mercy of God. Pure grace. Purely undeserved.

Here I sit, April 9, 2008. The words "undeserved faithfulness" perfectly describe my life.

Thank you mom. Thank you dad. Thank you sis. Thank you Em. Thank you Luke. Thank you Sarah. Thank you Lord Jesus.

May I live a life full of gratitude.

6 comments:

Day by Day said...

I just wanted to stop by and wish you a happy birthday!!! We are coming out to Smithville on the 27th for Granny's birthday! If we have a chance we may stop by if you are available that day! Hope your 30th is a great one... I was 8 months pregnant on mine. :) Love ya!

Emily said...

I LOVE YOU SWEETHEART!!! May there be many more moments to treasure in the next 30 years! You're the BEST husband and father any woman and children deserve to have; BIG KISS

Anonymous said...

Dear Son~ what a blessing to read this <>< I just got off the phone w/ Mamaw & was talking about 30 years ago you were trying to get here( arrived at 11:37 PM)I am bowed down in humility after reading your post. May our Heavenly Father pour out blessing upon blessing on you,Em, Luke, & Sarah.With much love & thankfulness, Mom

Anonymous said...

What the heck man? Where are my thanks for putting up with you all those years in school and letting you win at tennis so you'd have good self esteem? Come on now, give credit where credit is due! Happy Birthday, welcome to the old man's club! I've been here a while now and the water's just fine.

Chip

Anonymous said...

BIG!!! I love you so very much. I know we dont talk as much as we used to, things change, life gets busy as you know. I am very blessed to have you as my brother...we did have a lot of fun times together when we were younger...the times i whooped you in basketball, rope swings, a ton of stuff. Good memories. You are an inspiration to my life and i just hope you know that i love you so very much and i pray God continues to bless you and your beautiful family. See you soon, happy birhtday!!
~Amy~

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday! Welcome to the 30s. Start getting your campaign ready, because you'll be old enough to run for president in 2016 after Obama's second term is up.