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I think God is trying to teach me something…

Friday, I tried to do something really nice for my wife. We bought this van for a great price, but it did not come with remote entry. You should know that none of the cars we have owned have been equipped with that wonderful modern device. However, we have 4, yes, count them, 4 children, and more times than not my wife is out and about with them alone. Stumbling for keys to get into the van while maintaining an eye on 3 kids and holding 1 is not something I really want for my wife. So while my wife was away with Ben in KC, me and the 3 went to Circuit City to get remote entry installed. No bells (aka remote start). No whistles (aka alarm). Just keyless entry.

After I purchased the unit I was told it would take about 3 hours. So feeling adventurous, me and the 3 headed to target next door and then to a movie, Meet the Robinsons. 3 and a half hours later we walk back into Circuit City fully expecting the van to be ready. Think again. At that point it had just been brought in and would be another 2 hours. At this point, I really thought I might explode. I didn’t, but it was pretty obvious I was frustrated.

To make a long story longer, we chose to wait. I ended up calling a friend who graciously came to be our taxi service. At the end of the day the keyless entry was installed, we got our van back and Sheila came home to a surprise. Now I doubt anyone would seriously find fault with me for being frustrated at the longer than expected wait. But it was one of many things that have happened to me that make me think I need more patience. I have noticed lately how impatient I am at the tiniest bit of waiting time and that bothers me. Since God calls patience one of the Fruits of the Spirit, that is a pretty good indication that I should see it if I am allowing the Spirit to work.

So, what should I do about it? God has obviously been trying to get my attention. Examples are legion and I don’t have space to write about them all. Honestly, I’m not sure. I am praying for some direction. I certainly see that God wants to use waiting times to teach me patience, but other than being passive in those moments, what should I pray, do, think? I don’t know yet. I wish I had an answer, like now.

Finally! 60 degrees…sunshine…no coat.

I have only a few pet peeves…okay I probably have a lot, but I am quiet about most of them. But here is one of my worst. Whenever my lovely wife gets away for a few hours or as in these next 3 days is out of town, I typically get the same response. “Oh, that’s nice you are baby sitting the kids.” Umm…excuse me, but I am their father, I don’t baby sit my kids, I only…er….watch them…or be their dad…or I am not sure what you call it but it is certainly not “babysitting.” That is something we pay a teenage girl to do.

Perhaps it has a lot to do with the fact that dads have gotten a bad rep. Some deserved, some not. We don’t always step up and actually be the one who is engaged with their kids hearts or be the ones who take an active role in shaping them or lack the confidence to take care of them properly. That is something I have endeavored to undue in my own upbringing. While my dad hit the road when he found out I came into existence, I have felt a tremendous call to be the dad I never had and frankly be the dad God called me to be.

On that note, one of the best resources I have ever seen has been Men’s Fraternity. We just completed the first season of it at Suncrest and it was a tremendous help to the guys who participated. This morning as we sat around one big table together, it was awesome to sense that each guy was not alone in their struggle to be the man, husband and father God had called them to be.

Now…anyone want to have a lonely dad and 3 kids over for dinner????

I’m not a superstitious person, but I know about the whole bad omen thing when a black cat crosses your path. But what about if a black turkey crosses your path? Seriously, I was driving down Joliet and as I came over the railroad tracks, a turkey is standing in the middle of the road. I slammed on my brakes and stared in disbelief. I tried to whip out my phone to capture the moment forever, but alas he foiled my plan as he trotted off as if he owned the road. In a way, I guess he did because I certainly stopped and was frantically grabbing my phone to take a picture. (Photo is not actual turkey.)

Hi. Welcome to etc. It’s my personal blog to say the things that are on my mind. I doubt seriously anyone really cares what’s on my mind but I have found this to be a good form to share life with others who blog.

Why in the world is it called etc.? Good question. I’m glad you asked. “etc.” comes from latin which means “and the rest of such things.” I thought it was a fitting description of what my blog is really about. For me it’s kind of like Paul Harvey’s “the rest of the story.” Whether it is the rest of the story from a message on Sunday morning, my journey in reading Scripture, or just thoughts on life, it’s my rest of thoughts.

Thanks for stopping by.