Important Stuff

Last week I had the wonderful opportunity to represent First Baptist Church Cotulla as a messenger to the Baptist General Convention of Texas annual meeting in Fort Worth. This was about an 8 hour drive from Cotulla. After the meeting I was able to visit with my mother, step-father, brother and niece for a night. Wednesday morning found me making the long drive back to South Texas.

One of the great things about long rides alone is that you have a lot of time to sing with the radio or think. I usually think, although I do enjoy singing, but thinking seems to be more productive. I got to thinking about all the people I reconnected with at the convention and the fact that we are now the “older” guys of the religious “establishment”. I thought about the things (however few or eternally important) I had accomplished in my career. Ultimately I felt that most of those were not as important as I thought they were while working to accomplish them. I have come to believe that when all is said and done I desire to know that I have the respect and love of

My Parents
My Wife
My Sons

To know that when we are together and are walking in public they walk with some pride because they are beside me; that is most important! Ultimately I believe at some point in life this becomes the most important thing to us all; Parents, spouse and children.

If that is the case then let me give my part.

Mom. . . I can never repay what you have given for me. I can only start to understand the sacrifice you made for us in the “days” you had to bring up two young hard-headed boys. Thank you

Debbie. . . Never could I have asked for a better partner in this life! It has not been easy and you have made my mistakes look good. We raised two great boys and I am not sure we could ask to do more!

Landall and Shawn. . . Dirt and Water, Dark and Light, Sun and Moon. . . as opposite as two could be but both vital to my existence and identification. You do not yet know what you have meant to me. You both have found what it means to chase a dream even if that dream cost. I am proud of you both!

I cannot say that if you did not make the list you are un-important to me. . .but ultimately these are the smiles and nods of approval I desire!