Reflections on 60 years. Today is my 60th birthday, so I thought I’d look back at God’s blessings in my life.
Parents
I had great parents. And they loved each other. They were the kind of affectionate parents that made a young kid say, “EWWW!” often.
Dad would come home from work and fall into the arms of Mom. You could count on it. They could be snappy with each other at times, and there was never any doubt that they were committed to being together.
And they kept that commitment to their final day.
Brenda and the kids
I got married a little later than I thought I would. It took a little while for God to get us into each other’s orbit.
But 1992 was when my life with Brenda began. We’ve spent nearly every day together since. Every time I look into Brenda’s eyes I understand what my Mom and Dad had.
In 1997 and 1999 God gave Brenda and I two wonderful children. They are as different as night is to day. Both of them have my heart and soul. And both have blessed Brenda and I beyond measure.
Friends
My 60 years haven’t been shared with a large group of friends. But the friendships I have had are deep and meaningful.
In high school there was Carl. He showed me that you could have fun without drugs or alcohol.
He loved his throwing stars, tonfa and other martial arts weapons.
In college I had David and Jeff. Two men that I still enjoy talking to.
These days I have Brandon. He has walked with me through the ups and downs of the last several years.
We’ve spent hours talking about life.
Work
I’ve written a bunch about my work experiences. Almost everything in these blogs is work related.
Directing bands has been my passion since 1988. I’m constantly learning and developing my skills. Every year is different. Every group of students is unique.
I’ve won a few trophies and garnered the respect of some. And I’ve had the pleasure of working with wonderful students, parents and colleagues.
Norwin/LJ
I can’t talk about blessings without talking about Norwin and LJ Hancock.
This is another area where I have written numerous posts. Why did God bless me with an education under the leadership of LJ Hancock?
I learned from a young man who was just coming into his prime. He was passionate and demanding. It was next to impossible to impress him.
He built a dream in me. The fire that he lit still burns in my heart.
God
My parents introduced me to God. I was shown that He existed and He cared about me.
Mom would routinely say, “God has a purpose for your life!”.
Those words have helped me through dark times.
1988 was the year that God and I started to get closer. He knew me, but I didn’t know Him that well.
I know that He has forgiven me and that He loves me. He calls me his friend and he’s prepared a place for me where we can spend eternity together.
I have no idea what is in front of me, but I know that God has plans for me.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfareb and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11 ESV
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:10 ESV