Aolani, You Have Not Been Forgotten

I have been thinking really hard over the last few months since Aolani was born, trying to rack my mind for some amazing insight from parenthood. That is why I have not written anything about Aolani or being dad to a precious little girl. I kept getting ideas for other blogs, but I kept telling myself, "No, a blog about Aolani must be the first thing I write after her birth." However, in the end, I just ended up stressing myself out trying to come up with something grandiose and poignant. I could not think of anything witty or funny. I could not give Aolani her due for how great a little baby she is. Meanwhile, more blog ideas just kept passing me up.

Finally, I just had to give up. But, needless to say, Aolani, you are something special. So special, in fact, that nothing could be written to adequately sum up your arrival. When you get older and read this one day, you will know that you were more than words -- that, and quite a hand-full to take care of, which is also why writing blogs has been hard to do. But all babies are hand-fulls, so don't take it to heart.

Not to worry, a blog about Aolani is forthcoming. It will not be a Tolkienian tome of a masterpiece, but it will be about Aolani. Hopefully, it will make her feel special.

Of Spiritual Drinking Age

Today, I turn the much-anticipated age of 21 years... spiritually. Today, I am old enough to drink of the wine of the Spirit. For it was on this day, back in 1989, on a very bright, sunny, warm Bellevue, Washington, early afternoon on an old, worn wooden bench that I asked the Alpha and Omega, the Author of Eternity, the Savior of the World, into my heart. What a glorious day!

Oh, I can only wonder from what turmoil the indwelling Spirit of God averted me. How utterly thankful I am that I always had a peace that surpassed understanding and never left me unfulfilled, even on bad days and in dark times. I've never really known emptiness. Or true, God-forsaken despair.

It has been quite a journey since that providential day. The Holy Spirit and I have been through highs (absolutely extraordinary highs) and lows (deep, deep lows). There were also periods of stagnation. And times of simple rest. He was always there keeping my faith alive. He still pushes me with great purpose and pulls me with unfathomable promises.

He is a good God. He is gracious. He did not have to save me.