Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

About time for what seems to have become an annual time of reflection here. Bubba is turning 14 this year! His little sister will be 12 and #3 and #4 will be 9 and 5 later this year.

And… I turn 4-0 this week. Ouch. I don’t like birthdays and this one can get out of town. I’m glad to still be here, but no fuss need be made. I’ll gladly celebrate my kids though :). They are growing up to be smarter and wiser than I think I have the ability to be. I learn so much from their tender hearts and raging curiosity.

Life spins off too fast and as usual I’m not keeping up.

The Psalmist writes these words in Psalm 46 to close out a series of verses that remind us that our refuge and strength are in God and not to fear despite the crumbling world around us.

Reassuring to hear, tough to do. All around really. I’m not great at being still and I’m not great at picking up the subtleties and whispers of God in my life all the time either. Actually, I’ve found that most times it takes a 4×4 to get my attention. Which is rather regrettable and I pray as I get older that God gives me eyes and ears to see and hear what he wants for my life. My plans stink and I forget to let Him lead the way.

As I enter the second half of my life, I have some hopes for what the future holds. Less fear, more victory. Less worry, more love. Less avoidable pain and more life giving memories.

But most importantly, I want to be more present. More present with my kids (our time is limited, there are only so many summers, birthdays, Christmases that we get to spend before they’re grown) and with my wife. I want to be still and hear the sweet voice of Jesus calling me into new life. I want to whether the storms better knowing my saviors is with me.

Life is full of those and we all handle them differently but the one constant we should all remember is that Jesus is calling. Softly and tenderly. He wants the best for our lives. He wants success from failure. But what He desires most is for us is to reflect His love to the world. I’m not sure I’ve been at my best here. I forget far too often what I’m made for.

#3 and I went to Camp McCall last May for daddy/son camp. Amazing. It was inspiring and incredible to see a bunch of dads, uncles, and other male role models playing with their boys while learning more about our walk with Jesus in an incredible setting. I went back with my brother-in-law in the fall for a men’s weekend. We paddled 7mi out on Lake Jocassee to a beautiful series of waterfalls on the river that feeds the lake and played like teenagers.

During both trips, my heart touched to the rock on which my faith was formed. God’s incredible creation that he uses to remind us of the truth of his word. We have to look up, look around, and be in His presence even when we’re in thick of life. We can’t live at camp, but we can recall its lessons and trust in the goodness of the creator who takes our ugly and turns it into something beautiful. But we have to listen for the whisper of our Lord leading us to glory.