Is it just me, or is 2008 flying by faster than normal? Where has it gone? I feel as if my time is spent before I am even able to start whatever it is I am doing. Maybe I’m just getting older. I do have a 2-1/2 year old son… that may have a lot to do with it. Anyway, in the spirit of how fast this year is going, here are some random thoughts.

The Vacation: As it goes, just when you think that you will never make a dent in your list of things to do, the annual family vacation arrives on the calendar. This is a bitter/sweet occurrence that happened last week in Gulf Shores, Alabama with my wife’s side of the family. 17 people: Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Parents, and Grandparents all in 3 condos for 7 days at the beach. Can you say, “Chaos”? I am mostly kidding about the chaos and am actually quite pleased with how relaxing it turned out. [Disclaimer: The previous statements in no way reflect any disrespect to this side of my family. I am only, referring to the potential logistical calamities that may occur in this scenario. I am blessed to have such great in-laws. J]
The Movie: During this vacation a few of us drove in to town to catch the new Batman movie, “The Dark Knight” and I must say, If you haven’t seen it yet, stop listening to me babble and go. This is coming from someone that is not a big comic book buff, and is really quite indifferent to what’s going on in that world. It’s just a great movie. You almost forget you’re watching a comic book story. The acting is excellent, the characters are developed well, and there are several unexpected twists in the story, not to mention the special effects are quite impressive. The late Heath Ledger, does an outstanding job as “The Joker”, whose role exposes the dark nature of Batman and others. A friend of mine (who happens to be a big comic book buff) says they finally captured the complexity of Batman that is communicated in the comic books. Batman is fighting a battle on the inside and struggles with who he is, while questioning whether that impacts the world the way it should. The inner turmoil resonated with me.
My Head: Lately, I find myself reflecting a lot more on my life, and feeling pressure to “get it all together” so I can keep my sanity while protecting the sanity of my family. I want to be a great dad, husband, and friend. On one hand, life is great, I’ve got my family and close friends, I use my talents regularly to provide for my family; on the other hand, what am I going to do with my life, my close friends are not as close as they used to be, my family depends on me, its hard to make new friends and maintain the relationships that I have and my talents may not be enough to provide for my family, I keep wrestling with the same issues in my life and relationships. On another hand, (yes, I have three) I know I am supposed to be right here, right now and that I am in the middle of a great big story that has very little to do with me and everything to do with my Creator, who always provides. It is difficult to sort through it all. I don’t think we are supposed to necessarily figure it all out, but therein lies the struggle. Somehow in the middle of it all there has to be a balance, a resting place. I believe that place is in the Gospel, although it can be difficult at times.
Wow, this sort of sounds a bit heavy after reading over it. How about this to lighten it up… my son, Elliott, makes me laugh all of the time and I am so proud to be his father. How much more proud must our heavenly Father be with His son?