I’ve heard it said once you hit 30 you are now over the hill. My brother sent me a text this morning asking how the view was on the other side. I know for many hitting 30 is a sad moment in life, but if I can be honest I’m pretty excited. For whatever reason I feel as though my life is just getting ready to start. Lord willing I have four more decades of fruitful labor, then a decade to share my experiences and wisdom gained with anyone who will listen, and maybe a decade or two of telling absurdly crazy stories that make sense to no one. If I have my way I’ll be mauled to death by a gorilla at the age of 79 attempting to save my wife as we’re serving some unknown people group in the middle of Africa.
The decade that was.
The third decade of my life was absolutely amazing! So many things happened in the past 10 years. I gave my life to Jesus, got married, had a child, graduated school, began ministry, and so many other things. I have been able to travel all over the Western hemisphere loving on all types of different people. I’ve been loved on by some pretty amazing people as well. I have also been humbled in many ways. I figured out I don’t know as much as I think I do (even now). I have shaken off the chains of chauvinism, racism, hedonism, judgmentalism, and many other -ism’s that previously kept me from loving everyone.
I’ve met some pretty amazing people along the way as well. People like Eric Vogel, who is bold enough and willing to tell me when I’m acting like a moron. Silvin Galiza and Mike Colon, who are always willing to encourage and pray with me when I’m down. Lighten Nagao, who showed me what hard work, sacrifice, and love looks like. Momma D, who lives a life totally focused on the love of others. Steffon Staley, who helped me get off the ground after I gave my life to Jesus. Stephen Walters, who taught me how to laugh and act stupid for pure enjoyment. The McCrory’s, who showed me how to live a life totally focused on Jesus and family together. The Turners, who express love even when they don’t even mean too. And many others.
Family may be the word that has meant the most to me over the last 10 years. The church gave me a type of family I never experienced before. My o’hana from the Aloha Church showed me what it meant to live in community as family. Others accepted my family into their own when times were tough. I joined Robin’s amazing family. And my relationship with my family, especially my dad, is better than ever!
The decade that may be
Today I stand at day one of a new decade in my life with great excitement and expectation. I am less than two months away from meeting my first son and sit at the brink of of what I believe will become an amazing ministry in Chi Alpha. Robin and I hope to have 2-3 more children after our son is born as well as adopting as many as God allows us. I hope to have a ministry filled with people who love the Lord and are willing to live inconvenient lives for the sake of others. Hopefully I will open a coffee that doubles as a place of ministry and community service. And I would like to write at least one book, but secretly I’m praying for 2-3. These are just a few of the many goals I have for this upcoming decade 
.
As for this up coming year
The introduction of our son is the most exciting thing on the horizon. I pray him and Safari get along well and that he transtions into this world without any significant problems. Outside of family, my main priority for this year is to get to 100% of my ministry budget so that I can start focusing my full attention on ministry and the vision God has given us. I extended my deadline once, but the national office will not allow me to do it again. I have to be at 100% budget or I will not be allowed on campus, so please pray for me! Other goals include the completion of a marathon, triathlon, 30 books, and as much surfing as possible. I also plan to visit my friends Matt and Jamie in Portland, Juan in Seattle, Joe and Hannah in Vancouver, the Aloha Church, my family in Kansas, friends in Missouri, and many others. I’m also going to a church planting conference in Orlando, FL in April where I hope to catch up with my old friend Dan. So yes, I’m excited about year 30 and whatever God gives me after that!
Thanks for your willingness to read my reflection on what was, is, and will be. Thanks for being a part of my amazing life.
Recent Comments