Rather than try to craft a brilliant essay, one that moves mountains, I decided to embrace my limitations (possibly a first) and figured I’d simply share some of the lessons I’ve learned, as well as some observations and reflections from this past year.  I hope they bless, encourage and inspire…

• This year has been a learning year for me.  Learning more clearly who I am (as well as more clearly who I’m not).  I sum this up a little bit in The Importance of Being Yourself.

• When an opportunity to travel to Scotland with your wife and an old friend comes up, you take it.

• The Scottish people are incredibly friendly.  I’m a more friendly person when I’m around friendly people. 

• I wonder if I could be more of a “friendly initiator” here back in my own locale.  I also wonder what kind of effect that might have on those around me.

• You’ll find exactly what it is that you are looking for.  If you’re trying to find joy or personal offense, they can often be found in the very same situation, depending on your view.

• Most of the time we don’t get what we want, when we want it, and to the degree that we want it. The secret is in learning how to appreciate and find joy in the things that are given to us.

• Sometimes our strengths are threatening to others.  What you choose to do with that information is what separates strong people from wounded people.

• There are a lot of “holidays” that pop up on my calendar that I have no clue what they are about or what they mean.  But I’m pretty sure they mean something to someone.

• I wonder how much more a peaceful place the world would be if we all sought a deeper understanding of others.

• Soccer season never really ends.  Which means that we have to fight hard for a family meal around the dinner table. 

• Most of our family meals (when we get them) remind me of just how delightful my children can be.

• Makes me wonder how much of life we all miss out on thanks to the frenetic pace of our current culture.

• Our family makes a regular practice out of taking a break from screens (phones, video games, television) for one day each week.  What would happen if everyone did that?  I’m pretty sure we’d see more kids riding bikes in the neighborhood and more families playing at the park.

• Nothing brings a family together quite like being out in nature together.

• The best camping spaces are the ones you have to hike into.

• Bringing bed sheets for my air mattress makes camping downright pleasant.

• Spending a few extra bucks renting that boat and giving my children the helm on that alpine lake was the best decision of our summer.

• Living on a budget doesn’t seem fun at first.

• But there is quite a bit more freedom in structure and order than what appears on the surface.

• If you want to accomplish good things, you can go at it alone.  But if you want to accomplish great things, you need a team.

• Giving talented people room to exercise their strengths makes that great accomplishment down right dynamic.

• Nothing feels quite like home like being with family.  The locale doesn’t really matter as much as the company.

• What makes a place beautiful is the friendships you have there.  External beauty is nothing if you find yourself lonely all the time.

• Sometimes the bold decision is actually staying put when you think you should venture on.

• Sometimes the bold decision is venturing forth when you’re too scared to move.

• Knowing which is which is the beginning of all wisdom.  Best to seek guidance from others rather than try to navigate it on your own.

• Your family is paying attention.  Be an example that will make them proud.

• Children grow up so dang fast.  I held a newborn the other day, then stared at my youngest who turned 10.

• True joy is staying in the present, while being informed by the past and inspired by the future.

• Each of us has a glory and strength to offer the world.  Despite what you think, despite what others may (or may not) have told you, you do.  So stop with all the self-defeating talk, politely give it the finger, and get on with it.  Reveal your strength to the world, because we all desperately need your contributions…

• I’m serious.  And I don’t care if your God-given strength makes other people feel uncomfortable.  If they are, it’s probably because they wish they had the same courage you do to live it out.

• The true heroes in life are those who guide.

• I’m thankful that I’ve had my share of Yodas, Obi-Wans, and other Jedis along the way.  They help prepare me for those times when the path isn’t so clear...

• Whatever 2019 has in store, I’m pretty sure I can handle it.  I know this because I can look back at each year prior, and if nothing else, I can say that I’m still in one piece.

• I believe there is more joy to be had than people are aware.  I just think we often search for it in the wrong places.

• Turning off the constant noise will reveal it, once the fear of the quiet has gone.

Wishing you all moments of joy, solitude, togetherness, and beauty as you journey throughout this new year.  We all desperately need your presence, your strength, and your love in a world that is quickly spiraling more and more toward individualism, loneliness and withdrawal.

May 2019 be a year where we all work to break that cycle…