6 Years

Mad and I married on this day 6 years ago. A Saturday, just like today. And it rained today, just like it did on our way to Ludington. So many of our friends have married since with still so many more to go. And so many of our friends have kids like us with still so many more to go. We had planned to go up north to the lake - a redo from a few weeks back when the kids got sick. But instead, a tornado came close by and flooded our basement. And my wife got sick. And the kids got cabin fever. But as I sit watching my family getting ready for bed, with my wife singing some tickling song: "x marks the spot with a dot, dot, dot ... put cacti on your back and watch the juice flow out ..." (Something I guess she learned from Reno's sis) I realize what a blessing it is to have the opportunity to be the father of this family and to keep her on course throughout the storms, floods, sickness and pestilence. Yes, I'm tired right now but by God's grace I am able to wake up and persevere in the good fight. Thank you, Lord, for six of the most blessed years of my life.

Prayer

A first, not a last resort ... and the last resort. In good and bad times. A strengthening of a relationship with a "Higher Power" like talking to my wife everyday, or my kids, or my really good friends or anyone I need to talk to. Not just about things I want (that would be a Genie) Not just to work out issues that I have (that would be a counselor) Not just to go over my schedule for the day (that would be my secretary) But prayer is simply conversing with the One Who loved first that I might love Who IS love. So why isn't there enough love in the world? There isn't enough prayer. I never understood this until I began making prayer a habit. And I still don't get it sometimes.