3 Years old!

Well, my oldest daughter turns 3 today. I can’t believe it was 3 years ago that God brought her into our lives and said, “I am loaning her to you for a few years. Take care of her for me for a while.”

The cool thing is that she woke up before I left for work this morning, so I got to tell her happy birthday. There is nothing like starting your day with a big hug and smile from your little girl. It melts me every time, and I usually don’t stop smiling about it all day.

She has been so excited about today that she has been talking about being almost 3 for about a month now. However, this morning when I asked her how old she is, she said “three” while holding up 3 fingers. THEN she preceded to hold up 5 fingers and say, “but I’m gonna be 5.” She was serious. I was about floored. I have only had my girl for 3 years and she wants to be older already! I thought I wouldn’t have to deal with this for a few more years, but I guess not. Rats.

Isn’t it amazing how we can in the same way get to a point in our lives and already be looking ahead at what is down the road. We so easily miss what is in front of us because we are always looking at what might come later, or what someone else has, or what we think we should have. I am looking outside at a sunny, warm and beautiful February day, and I am just reminded to stop, take a deep breath, and notice where God has you now and what He’s given you. Be thankful.

Roadblocks pt 2

I had talked about some roadblocks that had come my way in the last few weeks/months. I am blessed to be able to say that one major roadblock has been removed, even though yesterday’s snowstorm detered me a bit (10 Miles an hour on a highway – ARRRRRGGG!!!). God has given Abigail and I direction and means to achieve the plans He has for us at this stage in our lives. It has been such a learning experience for both of us to go through this process to know that He is always in control, and that we must have patience to let Him work in his perfect time. I am not a “waiter” (patient or food-serving kind) and I have had to understand the need for patience in this marathon called life. As Luke states, “I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me” (Acts 20:24)

I encourage anyone who is reading this and really struggling to hear God and his plans, He will direct us all in his own time. Just be patient and the path to the finish line will become clear.

Reliability

Last night in the class that I teach on management, one of the topics we discussed was quality – in products and services. Although characteristics of quality for a product are a bit different than the characteristics of quality for a service, the one characteristic they have in common is reliability. Reliability is simply the time before a breakdown (product) or performing the expected service.

As humans, we struggle with reliability. How many times have we been let down by someone who promised to do something but ended up not “performing” or wavering a bit from what was expected? How often are we disappointed by others or do are we doing the disappointing? As a father, I know my children are always listening to what I say I will do, and they will expect me to do exactly that or they will be sorely disappointed and even lose faith and trust in me.

In this world of low quality and reliability, isn’t is great to know that God is reliable? He says we can always count on Him to do exactly what he has promised!

James 1:17 says:

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. “

When sin entered the world, he promised a redeemer, and sent Christ to fulfill that promise. He promises He will not allow any temptation in our lives except what we can handle. He promises He is preparing a place for us in heaven.

Isn’t it great that we can count on 100% reliability from God? He ALWAYS does what He has said he will do! No matter what.
I’d say that is true quality…