Family

I love my family!  They are the reason that I choose to do the things that I do, and who I enjoy spending time with!  With one daughter away at college, and while we are still a family unit, it has been a while since we were together and acted as a single entity.  We made the decision to go to Baltimore for a few days and pretty much leave behind all of our outside contacts.  For 4 days and nights we had the time to enjoy each other’s company as only a family can do.  And while I realize that the number of times for opportunities like this with just the four of us (OK, we brought the dog, too) is greater in our past than in our future, it was important for us to put aside the time and take this trip together as a family.

We have all heard the story about the man that was lying on his death bed and asked if he have any regrets in his life.  His answer was that he did not spend more time with his family.  When we reach the end of our lives, we do not lay there on our death bed and wish we worked longer hours, or regret a missed opportunity.  We may wish that we had spent our time on this earth more wisely, but surely that we had spent more time with the ones that we love.  I am always amazed at some of the personalities in the Bible and throughout history that because of their sense of purpose, have put aside their families.  Oh, sure, they may be there, but are relegated to the background.  Their love must have been so great for the masses, that in their perceptions, we are all a part of their family to succeed for.

Look, I am no different than any other working stiff; I work hard at making a living to provide for my family, and I work hard so that I can spend quality time with my family.  When I have traveled for work, I always looked forward to returning home to my wife and children.  At times, I have juggled my priorities, to be with my family.  In fact, there was a time where I returned from a trip from Hong Kong and went straight to the field to watch my daughters play rec ball.  Time does not stand still for us to enjoy our children while they are young, or our spouse while they are vital and healthy.  We need to parse out time to spend with them, while we are all capable.  As we end 2013 and move seamlessly into 2014, remember to tell your family, while wishing them a Happy New Year, that you love them and are grateful and blessed for them being part of your life. 

From my family to yours, we want to wish you a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year!