In no particular order –
1. I really enjoyed spending time with my family, especially my siblings, parents, and cousins. I missed them more than I thought I did. I need to see them more often.
2. Our church family is a source of strength, comfort, and stability that we are so incredibly blessed to have. I am so thankful they are in our lives.
3. Got a new job at the end of the year. After 15 years, it was time for a change. Working for a smaller company is definitely more my style than a huge megabank full of red tape, endless committees, and bureaucracy. In no small measure, one of the reasons I left was to work from home permanently. It suits our family well and if I never have to commute to work again in my lifetime, I’ll be so happy.
4. I have a family of foodies and phenomenal cooks. This year I started to get serious about managing my diabetes and losing weight. As spoiled as I am with good eats, I can be content eating healthy with smaller portions on a regular basis. I thought I would miss certain foods more than I actually do.
5. I still hate running, but I do like the results I’ve seen. Lost over 30 lbs and dropped my A1c 2.0 full points over the year. Hopefully, I can continue into 2022 what began about 9 months ago and counting.
6. I used to be a TV and movie junkie. I still enjoy a night out at the theater, but it’s really not as crucial to me as it once was. I hardly watch any TV, Netflix, or Prime anymore.
7. So many people live in fear every day. Not just of the Rona, but in ways you can’t even begin to see or understand. I don’t really have any fear. (Well, that’s not 100% true. I’m deathly afraid of heights.) What I mean is, I don’t wake up every day worrying, particularly about things that are out of my control. For whatever reason, people around me think I have it all together or know what I’m doing. I never thought of myself as being confident or very social. I’m more of a pragmatist and just want to get things done. Anyway, this will likely be the topic of future blog posts.
8. My wife and I are going to be grandparents this year, Lord willing! It’s a bit surreal and I can’t even begin to describe it. I’m sure once I see the baby, everything in my world will change. At the same time, this year has been a time to think about generations, getting older, children growing up and starting their careers. It’s exciting that this new chapter is beginning for us.
9. My guitar has been collecting dust for much of the year. Need to get back into playing. I also learned that I need to have about 10 songs committed to memory that I can whip out anywhere, anytime. You never know when you’ll have the opportunity to play music with others.
10. God provides for our family in ways I can’t even begin to enumerate. Long before I can even ask or think, He is preparing the way. I can trust His good and perfect will for my life.
txfatherofseven 