Stepping Into It

This past weekend my wife and I had the privilege of spending a few brief moments with Carlos Whittaker. Now (please don’t miss this), while Los is “all of that and a bag of chips”, I am honestly not name dropping here. Actually, that’s kinda the point of this entire post.This isn’t about meeting Carlos, it’s about something he said. Carlos used 3 simple words to describe some of the incredible experiences in his life which I firmly believe as well. 3 simple words which I haven’t been able to put on why I too have lived a crazy filled life.

“Stepping Into It”

The context was this…I simply asked Los to tell us about the incredible “God of Second Chances” moment he had with a homeless man. He explained the scenario in which it took place, as well as his appearance on LA Ink and said “it’s all about stepping into it”.

Brilliant.

The list of “Bucket List” items I have crossed off in this lifetime is seriously crazy. I have lived a full life. I’m in no way bragging. I wish that for every single person I meet. Los had the key to it too…you have to step into it. You might enter your name in 1000 drawings and never win one. You might attend hundreds of events and never meet someone that will change your life. You might take 100 shots and miss them all.

But what if you don’t?

We all want miracles and then spend our lives avoiding the context in which miracles happen. When we seize those divine moments, even though we recognize that we are inadequate for the challenge before us, we experience the power and wonder of God.

-Erwin McManus (Chasing Daylight)

What if you “step into it” and hit that game winner, win 1 contest, meet an influencer in your life? Was it worth the 999 you didn’t win? You bet it is! If we’re not careful we can watch our entire lives pass by because we don’t think we’ll be the one chosen. Don’t miss it. Trust me..don’t miss “stepping into it”.

Thanks Los.

Being Who You Say You Are

Are you who you say you are online? I don’t mean being a “creepy weird guy”, I mean do you ever go out of your way to seem like you’re something more than you really are online? With today’s social media and the ability to portray something different, I wonder if we don’t sometimes do that. It’s actually a pretty easy trap to get into. I can honestly say I know a very special group of people that don’t.

My wife and I recently got to spend some time with some incredibly gifted, talented and amazing people. What impressed me the most is that they are EXACTLY who they appear to be online. At no point did I walk away thinking “wow, they really had me fooled”. What you see is what you get and I mean that in the very best way. It was refreshing. I have been “following” quality, character people and to see them live that out in their daily life was something special.

So who are you online?

If someone spent a weekend at your house, would they see that same person?

Would they walk away thankful or disappointed?

Thankfully, I was NOT disappointed.

They were exactly who and what I thought they were….and that is a VERY good thing.

How To Pray For Us

I have been so honored by the words, emails, text and conversations with so many people throughout this process and especially after my post yesterday. The response has been so special. For that I thank you all. Given the unique circumstances and the need to keep the details private for now, I am often asked “what should we pray for” or “how would you like us to pray”. Jokingly, more than a few folks have offered to pray for what THEY want. The best thing I can tell you all is this….

Pray what we’re praying.

Pray for Gods will.

Since that day in April and all the way through this weekend, my wife and I will be praying for Gods will. Nothing more, nothing less. While we many have hopes, dreams and visions of what could be, if they don’t match His will for our lives and our family, then they are just dreams. We know He will make His will clear if we listen, trust, pray and be patient.

I so appreciate your prayers and your willingness to partner in this journey even if you don’t know the details. Thank you for carrying the mat with us. Thank you for what each and every one of you mean to us.

Stay tuned……

It All Comes Down To This

Last summer “the boy” and I were driving home from one of his baseball games. I could tell by his silence and body language that there were about a thousand places he would rather have been that night. When I asked him about it, he confirmed that he was not enjoying this season or baseball. At that moment we talked about some options for the next summer and made the decision to part ways with his current team (he finished the season though). I’m leaving details out here that really don’t need to be discussed. Let me just say I’m not “that dad” and he’s not a kid that quits. It was just time to find something different.

Over the next few weeks I made some phone calls and he landed a tryout with a local team for a league called “Big League”. They had limited roster spots so there were no guarantees. We figured it was worth a shot. All he really wanted was an opportunity and a chance to show what he could do. Not long after the tryout, we got a call welcoming him to the Red Barons. They were thrilled to add number 50 to the roster.

This summer, I have watched “number 50″ grow as a person, teammate and player. He has gone from one of the pitchers to the staff ace. All season long, he has maintained the number 4 spot in the lineup by driving in timely runs. Tonight and (assuming they make it to the championship) on Sunday, they will hand him the ball to start the game. He just needed an opportunity and some instruction. If you ask him today what his favorite sport is, he will tell you “baseball” without missing a beat.

We’ve come a long way since last summer.

In case you can’t tell, I’m so proud of number 50. While the athletic accomplishments are great, he has taught me much about seizing opportunity. He has taught me about going into an unknown situation and coming out shining. He has shown me that you CAN leave the known, the comfortable, the safe. He has proven that when opportunity and ability meet, you’re passion and gifts excel.

I’m proud of you 50. Bring it home this weekend!

If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away

On Sunday my son had a double header that, if they won both games, would make them champions of their division. It has been a great ride this summer. As we drove to the games, the song “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away” by Justin Moore came across the radio. In the backseat, I could hear all three of my kids singing along. I had one of those moments when your heart…hurts.

In those moments between home and the ballfields, I quickly thought of how much I wish my Mom could see her grandkids now. She’d be so proud. If Heaven wasn’t so far away…

I’d tell her how much I miss her.

I’d tell her how much her grandson has grown into such a quiet leader and exceptional athlete.

She’d remind me to be more impressed with WHO he is but also proud of his accomplishments.

I’d tell her about her granddaughters and how beautiful they are.

I’d tell her about the success of our middle daughter in gymnastics and how a mom at the pool was telling me how much her daughter follows her influence.

I’d tell her about our youngest child and her love of laughter and creativity.

She’d remind me to continue to build their character and the beauty would come naturally.

I’d tell her about my bride and how much we are one unit. One team. One.

She’d remind me how hard she prayed for her, even before we know who she was.

If only Heaven wasn’t so far away…