Struggling Well With Life

by Mark Hoffman

July 2010

Vacation

Posted on July 22, 2010 at 7:49am.

Returned from two weeks of college tours and time at the beach - what a gift! When the girls were unplugged from their Ipods we had some amazing conversations, as well as some rip-roaring laughter - often at my expense. They are both pretty witty, and ensure that their dad gets away with absolutely nothing. Our lives are about to change this year, Em leaves for England in September, and Meg heads off to New Zealand in January - so every hour we get as a family right now is heightened in its enjoyment. God used my family to speak peace to my heart. Then sitting by the waters edge for a week reading mysteries and indulging on local feasts at night was literally life giving too. I enjoyed what “IS” in life for a bit, and allowed what “IS NOT” to have its proper place. Grateful to the Counselor who breathed truth into this old soul, and dependent upon Him this day to remain in this place.

Grateful today

Posted on July 1, 2010 at 6:02pm.

I am so very grateful today. I am a blessed man, blessed in so many ways. Sometimes I refrain from “public” expressions of gratitude because it seems insensitive to others who are not experiencing much joy. I know, because I’ve been there. And will, no doubt, be there again. I am blessed, and not because I did or deserve anything. When my girls tell me they deserve something they know what my response will be before it leaves my mouth - “You deserve Hell, but God gave grace”. I often look at my life through the lens of what is not, what is not right, not obedient, not good. But today I am grateful for what is. I am not the man I was 10 years ago, or even last year for that matter - that’s a good thing. I have a wife who actually adores me - go figure! And I still get excited thinking about spending the rest of my life with her. I have two daughters who captured my heart from day 1, but who are a complete blast as young women. I have a few close friends who love me - what a gift they are. All of this in addition to my relationship with Jesus. It really doesn’t get any better than this.

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