Keep Going

In my late 20s, I was mighty proud of myself. I stood tall when I mentioned my diploma from Stanford. I took credit for all my wonderfulness. I was the only alumnus who travelled to our 10-year high school reunion in my own airplane, a fact I managed to work into most conversations. When my friend, Dan, pointed to his yacht on a trailer behind his new Suburban, I, of course, mentioned my Cessna parked at the airport. I considered myself to be at the top of the world’s game. I must have been intolerable.

I aced my course on Thermodynamics but was not doing so great with my part in maintaining the proper temperature in my marriage and parenting situation. My natural gifts were strong in the solo worlds of academia, tennis, skiing, and piloting but not so much when it came to team sports, such as marriage or fatherhood.

The possibility of earning an “F” in marriage and parenting was starting to look like a real possibility. This is not like a college course that you can drop with no penalties. Depression and anger were at my doorstep. This was about the time that Jesus and I met at the Full Gospel Business Men’s dinner. My natural capabilities were fueling my pride. Jesus put the fire out just in time.

I’ve noticed that many, if not most, individuals who are victorious by the world’s measure struggle with success when it comes to the things that matter most: marriage, family, joyful living, leaving behind a lasting positive impact, and being friends with God.

I’m thankful God sent a few humbling experiences my way before my ship hit the reef. I have the feeling that, had I not responded to His discipline, He would have ratcheted it up until I did. Or didn’t. A loving Father, He is.

An excerpt from “The Whispered Shout.”