Family Matters

This week I have had the opportunity to be home on vacation.  I spent a lot of time with my son and daughters.  We worked outside in the yard, had drawing contests, played the Wii and X Box.  There were moments of connection that was completely awesome that I will cherish for ever.

Unfortunately, towards the beginning of the week I received some very disturbing news that one of our very close friend's family had all been destroyed by what seemed to be infidelity at the time, but in the end may be a gigantic misunderstanding.  Things have been completely blown out of proportion and things are being said, the children are beside themselves.  Regardless, in the end, the relationship and the "family" is destroyed.

It broke my heart, and I was beside myself.  It made me realize that what I have I need to hold on to as close as I possibly can.  It can all be gone in an instant.  So much so that I was willing to watch the Katy Perry Documentary for my girls.  These are the moments as silly as they are, that I am going to remember.  Listening to them become giddy with each song that they have heard of hers and watching them attempt to sing and dance.  It's great and it makes me smile.  And of course watching One Direction...the screaming as if they are there in concert..geesh.

I was able to take my son and watch him get his Temporary Permit.  He drove for the first time today.  He became a man today, finally donning a wallet.  Very proud of the young man he is becoming each day.

I was able to fix our kitchen faucet today and the smile it put on my wife's face to was priceless.  These are all the things that makes my family matter!  Each day there is something new that makes me smile because I know itakes my family happy. Now we are not perfect by any means, but I know I will do what ever it takes to make my family stay a family.

At the end of the day, when you lay your head down on your pillow the only thing that matters is your family!

The Death of True Friendship

I remember growing up I spent some of my time in Colerain, some of my time in Norwood, and some of my time in New Richmond. I think I counted once, in the 35 years of my life, I have moved 34,35 times. Sometimes different states, sometimes across town. 

What's the point? 

The point is; growing up I had friends all over the place. Allison, Annie and Theresa. Robert and Willie. My cousins. Not until middle school did I find a permanent school system. Not until high school did I find a true friend. Someone that I knew I could call them anytime of day, 24/7.  

Why is it as humans we yearn for that friendship?  Is it that divine since that we need to be attached? I mean, from a Christian point of view shouldn't I seek out my true friendship with God? 

I had a problem, and maybe I still do. I wanted to fit in. I wanted to be liked, to have friends. I pretended to be someone I wasn't. You don't believe me, you should have seen me my freshman year of high school.

I dated a lot. I wanted to feel liked and wanted. Dad issues? Maybe. I did have some significant relationships, at least they were to me. Today, those relationships are all but threads of the past. I can speculate as to what happen. I can make excuses as to why I allowed those friendships to fall apart. 

I'm married now. I always thought my wife would be the best friend. But she's obviously not a guy. We talk about everything, but I still need that guy interaction. 

Why is that? Monks can separate themselves and concentrate on non-relational things, why can't I?  Do I really need friendship? 

I know I do! I need some men in my corner that are going to laugh with me, cry with me, smack sense into me when needed.  I need men in my life to watch the game with. To scream at the bad plays with. To help fix cars, shoot the breeze with. 

I need friends who are going to be non-judge mental. Why, because I am going to screw up. Probably more than once. I'm going to need some forgiveness and love. I need true Christ-like friendship. 

At one point I thought I had friends like that. But when I screwed up, things changed. When we graduated the phone calls stopped. Married with kids, no time now... 

Guys, we need to make time for each other. If you're married you know you have to make time for your wife and your children. But what about you? I know from experience not taking time to spend with your friends can be disastrous. It can run you down spiritually and mentally. 

You think your okay with being friendless? You are a faker! 

I need my friends. Now more than ever. What about you? You may think I'm weak because I need relationships.  I'm here to tell you this will make you stronger.  It takes many soldiers to guard and secure the perimeter. Why shouldn't that be the same for us?