"And he who sat upon the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new"." - Revelation 21:5
The wise man, or rather the man made wise, will find himself at some point in his life realizing, like King Solomon once did, that there is nothing new under the sun, that all seems vanity. Fortunately, it is God who gives that world-shaking revelation - right before he shows that all things are made new in Him. Yes, right before he offers that man a glorious view of himself. It is He who gives all things purpose, newness... life. Every good and perfect gift is from above (James 1:17). Jesus said that "everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again, but he who drinks of the water that I give him will never thirst" (John 4). We will never see life as vanity ever again! Praise God from who all blessings flow.
So, here I am in what has become a routine - watching the baby channel in the living room with, well, Rhett. Keegan, you would be here too, but you're taking a nap after a wild morning. I'm enjoying your constant smiling, Rhett. You've taken over Keegan's old bouncer and are loving it. That toy was a score!
Mom let me out today to watch "13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi". It's a pretty violent war movie, but the themes within - courage in the face of death, laying it all on the line (with memories of your wife/kids still fresh in your minds) to do what is right - are very powerful and convicting. I will always thank the soldiers who sacrifice so much to fight evil in this world. Though a veteran myself, I will never see myself as equals with these kinds of men that serve on the front lines. I tell you what, though, I will fight as hard and courageously to protect you boys and our family from evil.
A big part of that fight, though, is the daily routine. It may not seem very valiant, but honoring God with my service to family and community, is most certainly so. Staying disciplined with my spiritual training is even more important than the physical. I need to indulge in the means of grace to receive the power of God's spirit for good in this world. That is a daily fight. A fight against sleepiness, irritability, rage, anhedonia, spiritual dryness, grief, despair, etc. Sometimes we find ourselves losing, other times gloriously winning. But the fight is never fully won until we are glorified and at home with our heavenly Father.
My big question today was, am I ready to go home? Would I be okay with God taking me out of this world at any moment, feeling like I have done all I can. Yes. As much as it grieves me to ponder leaving my family behind (I'm looking at your smiling face, Rhett), I know the Lord is good and would sustain you in my absence. I would eventually get to enjoy eternal life - life at its fullest - with all of you! Until that day he takes me home, I will relish every moment here with you boys! I will enjoy getting to be your father - teaching you, encouraging you, providing for you, serving with you, laughing with you - loving you. I feel like I have said this all before, but these are the things I would want you to know above any other.
Well, back to playing on the rug...
Love you boys so much,
Dad