The passage from Ecclesiastes below pretty much explains many of the reasons a marriage works if the two work as one.

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Harmony (noun):
1. The combination of simultaneous musical notes in a chord
2. A pleasing or congruent arrangement of parts
3. An interweaving of differing accounts into a single narrative.

I often think about harmony because when I sing – I rarely sing the melody in songs. I, as well as some people that I was in choir with, had the knack for singing harmony. The songs (at least to me) sounded awesome because of this combination. But I’ve oftent thought (and said as much to my wife) that the harmony wouldn’t be…complete…if it was sung alone. That is why I usually have difficulty with solos. I find that something is missing.

During the past nine years of marriage to Sarah, and twelve years of dating, I find more and more that our lives are being woven into one – as they should be – and it took me this morning to look up the definition of harmony and seeing the third part of the definition to realize that this is harmony, as well. This really explains to me why I feel so complete with Sarah – not just because we are husband and wife. But because God has made that another harmony in my life – something that feels wrong if it is alone.

In 1 Peter 3:8, Peter says “Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.” So as I am commanded (and feel anyway, so that is a bonus) – I must continue to think of Sarah and I as a whole, instead of two parts. Otherwise…the harmony just wouldn’t sound as beautiful.

Honor is defined as (and I’m only using some of the definitions, mind you):

Honor:
As a noun
1. Privilege
2. One whose worth brings respect
3. An evidence of symbol of distinction
4. A keen sense of ethical conduct or integrity
As a verb
1. To regard or treat with with admiration and respect
2. To give special recognition to

There are many people that I classify as “honorable people.” These are people who, for one or more of the reasons above, are memorable in many ways to me. I strive every day to live up to Romans 12:10 – “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.” I must strive to be honorable – not to be honored. I think that I forget about that at times. We must “desire to live honorably in every way” (Hebrews 13:18).

As I find peace and comfort in discipline and structure – “He who ignores discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored.” While being honored isn’t my goal, the blessing that can be shown to my family by being disciplined in my life – spiritually, physically, emotionally, financially, and more – is a goal I should always strive towards. I find that I sometimes need “corrections” in some of my prime earthly areas – doing my daily devotionals, keeping my family’s finances in check (and watching my spending), emotionally investing in my children (not just physical presence) – and if I don’t “listen” to God when he corrects me or gives me guidance, whether that is in my devotionals, through my wife, or something else, than I am doomed.

If I need it in my earthly life, God will honor me on Earth – otherwise, my goal, job, and mission is to be honorable so others can know Him and hopefully see His example.

One month ago today my job ended at The Barton Center.  For three-and-a-half years as the Camp Joslin Director, and two with all the camps, it was my home.  Both literally and figuratively.  Working there one minute, and not the next was a very confusing, emotional parting at first…which then downgraded into just plain emotional.  And while the rational part of me has now accepted that (and believes it to be the best thing for me), there are still those occasional “please leave me alone” emotional spots.  I’ve crossed through that event horizon from one world into another (imagine the “Stargate” television series, walking through the gate…or rather being pushed through it).  As the website title (not to mention the post title) implies, I have often thought of myself as a wanderer with a purpose.  I usually have a pretty good sense of direction.  And only at a few times now do I find myself thinking I’m lost…wandering aimlessly…instead of wandering with a goal in mind.

As I was thinking tonight about the past month I took a look at my blog post from March 20, 2005, when I left my hospital lab job and my home camp, Camp Seale Harris, in Alabama.  While I wasn’t at Camp Joslin, Clara Barton Camp, or the Day Camps for 15 years like I was at CSH, they have all been homes for me.  They have all allowed me to actually enjoy my work for the majority of the time, which is more than some people can say about their careers/jobs.  They all allowed diabetes to be a part of my work, and not just a part of who I was at that time.

I quote from my blog post in 2005 — “Because of it [my diabetes] and His grace, I am able to provide an environment where my wife and soon-to-be-son will, along with myself, grow spiritually as well as professionally.”  And you know what?  I believe that all of that happened.  I even got a daughter out of it, as well. 

So…another era of my life has ended.  As with the last one, it is scary.  But when I’m not in one of my now-occasional emotional points, I am excited about the unknown next step.  I (now) truly hope that I will still be in diabetes camping but that is up to God’s guidance and my perserverance and patience.

I’d be foolish and a liar if I told you that I wasn’t also thinking about the people that I have been blessed and honored to meet over the last five plus years through these camps.  I’ve shared quite a few laughs, tears and serious moments with quite a few people.  But I think I’ll save that for another evening’s post…

So until then, good night all.  I think I may have rambled enough for tonight…Happy Thanksgiving!

So Sarah and I had been doing fairly well at getting up four or five times a week…for two weeks running…and doing exercise.  And then it dropped to nil.  Part of that can be helped by going to bed earlier (which I’m not helping now by staying up to type this, but…) is just pure ol’ motivation.

…and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts.  If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.” — 1 Chronicles 28:9

So if something as serious as serving Him is supposed to be done with wholehearted devotion — because I want to do it, not because I have to do it – wouldn’t something that I have to do for personal health be much easier if I applied my energy to it?  While it may be a leap for some, this is something that is (now) a no-brainer for me.  Not that it will make the first days any easier, but having a purpose and reasoning always helps.

And besides, those days that I do sleep in will now be all that more special!

 The last year and a half has brought quite a few blessings — a new daughter, a continued healthy family, better personal health, and a promotion, to name a few — and I haven’t exactly done anything to thank Him for it in a meaningful, lasting way.

So the word that came to mind to research was thought.  I thought this fitting as I feel I’m starting to actually do this again.  Thought, according to Dictionary.com, has some of the following (interesting) meanings:

1. mental activity
2. a consideration or reflection
3. intention, design, or purpose

These are interesting because if I haven’t been thinking for the past year (or more — and I truly don’t think that I have), then not only have I not reflected on happenings in my life, but I have also had no mental activity, no purpose.  This troubles me, to say the least!

The Bible, in Proverbs 14:15, says, “A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.“  In Chapter 21, Verse 29 of the same book, “A wicked man puts up a bold front, but an upright man gives thought to his ways.“  So by not thinking, not only am I a simple person who doesn’t work towards following Him, I’m setting myself up for wickedness.  Not the path I’m choosing, m’friends.

1 Corinthians 13:11 reads “When I was a child, I talked like a child.  When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.“  So, yet again, it is time for me to grow up and think.

No matter the turnout, no matter good nor bad…I need to treat follow through the same as if I promised…the same as if I gave my word.

When a man makes a vow to the Lord or takes an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word but must do everything he said. — Numbers 30:2

So, to become the person that I am, should be, and used to be (is that confusing yet?)…another step is follow through. One of many, but important.

ad astra per aspera
(A rough road leads to the stars)
from the Apollo 1 Memorial

 

It may be the end of the day on September 11, but I thought it only fitting that my devotion today be the word remembrance.

In my 28 years, I have been around for a few major events in the United States and the world. The Challenger and Columbia shuttle accidents…countless bombings…Desert Shield/Storm…September 11, 2001…the Iraq War. And those are just the ones I can think of at this time of day.

I thank my God every time I remember you. — Philippians 1:3

The rest of the passage goes on to explain Paul’s thanksgiving about the Philippians’ response to the gospel. But today, as with most occasions that bring up memories of the tragic events of the past…I thank God for everything I’ve experienced through Him — and the people, Christian and otherwise, who He has let me meet…who He has allowed me to befriend.

I found out a while after the World Trade Center destruction about the death of my friend, Alok Mehta. I had not talked to Alok in a little over five years, since we graduated high school together…but seeing his name on the list of those who perished made it real. I have a pretty weird gift of empathy when it comes to reactions to events like this, but this was different. “It made it more real,” as people say.

So…my way of remembering is in my actions. It’s in the good memories that I hold. And in the pictures I save. So…in remembrance, here are a few photos from the space program disasters (some from my lifetime, some not), as well as some from the 9/11 attacks. All photos are courtesy of NASA except for the final one.

 

God knows this…and that’s why He shines through Josiah. It seems that everytime I look at Josiah, and see that life which has been provided to Sarah and I, God also says “Remember me?”

So I decided today to study two topics — the word devotion, and time.

I know the basics of the word devotion. It is either that dedication that you give to something or someone, or also, for the religious, can be the time and energy you give towards the Lord, whether it be studying his Word or doing His work. But I wanted to know more…and found a verse in Jeremiah.

…I remember the devotion of your youth, how as a bride you loved me and followed me through the desert, through a land not sown. — Jeremiah 2:2

And just to show that devotion cannot be incomplete, or lacking in effort, there is a verse in 2nd Corinthians.

But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. — 2 Corinthians 11:3

I must give, in both effort and energy, my full devotion to Him. That means not just praying to Him daily and attending church, but also studying His Word daily. I know that there will be times where this will be difficult, but that’s what devotion means — to make time.

But that then got me thinking about time…and I could find no better passage than one in Ecclesiastes.

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to week and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. — Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

There is a time for everything…which means sometimes putting something aside that we want to do, and doing something we need to do. Whether it is sleep, games, “downtime,” or whatever — we must have time to study His word. Is this not the least that I can do to thank Him for eternal life with Him? Is this not the least that I can do to thank Him for His forgiveness? Is this not the least that I can do for my Creator?

So…this is, hopefully, a new beginning.