Even through distance and the lack of communication the lessons of my past never die.
Attempting to grow on my own only created a schemer a mocker and a liar.
In fact, "to grow" as a kid meant nothing, but seeking my own understanding.
I am blessed to have grown up with many things, one thing in particular was a dad who knew what was important and always kept to it. For someone who would rather not accept attention or praise He taught me some of the best lessons. Although I was either seeming to not pay attention or was unable to grasp the seriousness of his character I still saw his strength through my foggy binoculars. I was young, dumb and too selfish to think anyone was any smarter than myself. But in fact my dad taught me to take life serious in all cases and to be light hearted and loving to all. For most of my life I thought that my dad was someone pretty cool but unsure if he really knew what he was doing. In my attempts to grow into a mature adult I have realized that he was right all along. I realized I had to use the same methods he always used and instructed by. Integrity, by which he bases his work, humility in which his foundation is set firm and also, the reason to which we are living is not small or meaningless. Lastly, to provide and work hard because not all things come easy and that everything is a blessing.
Now all that said there are quite a lot of examples to be said of but one thing that I remember the best and always bugged me growing up was his repetition of goal setting. He loves to have goals, he strives on goals and he knows that without them his day is a bit stale. Although he is a very relaxed and nonmilitant whatsoever man he knows that the small puzzle piece of a regimented task and daily list or life list has taught me a lot. I can say that that small, or large, puzzle piece he has given me has gotten me to where I am today. To see his passion for growth inspired me to see that I want to have a passion as well. Growing up my passion was to first find my mountain and head for the top. My dads approach taught me that the mountain is attainable yet it may take your whole life getting to the top. You must gather your necessities, know what your path will bring, choose your path, and be patient.
Just to add my own personal revelation to his wisdom:
One thing that I said a few months ago with friends on a hike and realized it sounded a bit too brilliant to have come out of my own mouth was "The adventure is not in the destination but en route".
Meaning the joy of a trip is not always where you set out to go, but it is in the journey to the top while experiencing the life around you. We had so much fun talking and getting to know the people around us that, after a few hours, we realized we went quite a few miles in the wrong direction. We even knew that the vista point would be uphill and for a few hours we were going downhill! The 10 or so friends didn't even realize that we were lost. We were on the wrong path. This path though had huge implications to my daily life. Where am I going, am I going in the right direction, who is following me, will we make it there by nightfall? I was the one leading everyone in the wrong direction. I had been on the right path months before, yet never remembered the right paths' name. Talk about feeling stupid. But all in all, the friendships that were created and bonded through the en route of the journey was more important than that vista point. No one cared we went the wrong way, they all agreed that it was still fun to go on a hike with everyone. Now to me, at first, I doubted that flippant remark and got down about my mistake. My goal was to make it to the top, not to make stronger friendships. One thing I realized, was that God has his own adventures planned for us even though we try to create our own.
The goals we set are important. Almost the most important decisions towards building character and Christ-likeness. My dads persistence towards growing in life towards Christ through goal setting is a prime example of what a Father is asked to do and and due to his following of Christ in his life I too follow Christ in my life. He is a wise man and a man of few words but a man with wise words when spoken. But to me I have realized, in my opinion, a wise man says less than any other man because wisdom is not ours to create, thus little can be said or is needed to be said. But to say that, for those who do not know him, he is not a quiet or shy man, but in fact a very joyful and loving man of God. Well-rounded, I'd say, because no wise man can be truly wise and not be filled with joy. Many people actually thought C.S. Lewis was probably a very dull, extremely intelligent and serious man but in fact in the book called Jacks Life, it exposes his complete opposite appearance from the perceived studious figure.
So to be proud of the life I have been brought up in and continue in it I too encourage people to be mindful of their daily decisions and desire to grow through goals.
My goals from 1 year ago:
Goals to set:
Analyze my thoughts when meeting people and be sure to listen to the truth which God states about all people in John 13:34-35, which says, "A new command i give you: Love one another. As i have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you my disciples, if you love one another." This command is a very important reminder to keep when meeting and talking to friends or new individuals. This also reminds me of a sermon I recently heard which stated "people will now we are Christians by our love and not our belongings or anything else". The way that we treat others is largely effected by the truth which Christ has told us about everyone. That everyone is equal and we should love them all as ourself. (Mark 12:28-31)
Never conclude beliefs due to my emotions or my own understandings - be sensitive to the Spirit and be in constant prayer. The more I am in prayer the more I feel peace and comfort from the Lord in all I do. There has never been a time when I am in prayer that i feel lost or confused. There has though, been many times where I am not in prayer and feel lost and confused, stressed and begin to doubt myself. (Proverbs 3:5, Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding)
Allow yourself to go beyond your comfort zone - allow God to stretch you, grow you and mend you into the man of God He desires of you. I so often stick to my own routine and schedule, which inhibits me from any growth or possibility of going outside of my comfort zone. But EVERY TIME I allow myself to go outside of my comfort zone I feel blessed from the Lord and encouraged immensely. (Romans 8:28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
My goals from 2 years ago:
1 year from now.
together serving/traveling together.
engaged or married.woah.
all year i work on an old camper and we go around the states and camp.
together.
making music.
painting in our sunday bests.
in love.
living in the now.
fully relying on God.
The camper idea hasn't quite happened yet, but if the Lord desires for us to do so, he'll give us a road map for that journey when it's time.
God Bless and Godly goal setting.
love dan.
