Attitude

I’ve received several comments and personal messages about my positive attitude and want to take a moment to provide some context.

First, I belong to Christ. (1 Cor 6:20) I was purchased by Him nearly 2,000 years ago.  I readily accepted that gift years ago and have, since then, walked a journey with the Lord knowing that He directs my steps.  A.L.L. was not on my bucket list for this life.  However, God has seen fit that this be the next chapter for me, my family, and anyone sharing my journey. 

Second, if you will remember the story of Jonah in scripture, he was sent by God to Nineveh. Based on his attempt to abort the mission, Jonah clearly needed the experience and the people of Nineveh needed the message.  Every experience in life includes these two components – a growth benefit to the individual called and benefit to those who participate whether actively or as passive observers.  So, if you are reading this blog post, you are at least a passive observer. Pay attention.

I do not lay awake fretting about when the Lord will choose to close my eyes.  I’m sure He has an appointed time.  Whenever it comes, I trust that it is in His timing and that the temporal concerns of life, family, finances, graduations, weddings, etc…will be cared for with a level of detail and tenderness that only God can accomplish.

My greatest advantage in the battle before me is a continual reliance on God and the wonderful family and friends He has placed in my life.  As I’ve had time to reflect on events proceeding this journey, I am able to see that God has been lining up the support for years. A few of the big ones are my unconditionally loving parents and brother,  my wife’s amazing strength and faith, children who are clearly growing in their relationship with God, having Doug Cox as a business partner and deep personal friend, Erik Reed and The Journey Church, relocating to Nashville where I can receive world-class care and remain close to family and friends, a connection with my personal physician (at the behest of Doug Cox) who is a cancer survivor and man of faith, a hematologist who would not give up on finding an answer for my low platelet count, and now, a team of physicians with experience that is second to none.

I hope you see how God has prepared me for this moment, process, journey, and forever changed life ahead.  It is this preparation that shapes my faith in God and my “attitude.” I can say with confidence that it will not always be easy.  I will certainly have moments when I ask God, “Why?”.  However, the question will be intent on understanding the lessons for me and opportunities to reveal Him to others.  It will not be one of self-pity or childish petulance. After all, my journey is only one half of the story.  Your journey is the other.

Keep your eyes fixed on Christ!

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Heb 12:1-2