Things Have Changed.

I'm really not sure when and not sure how, but things have changed.  I don't know if the change is due to age, phase of life, or the growing size of our family.  It doesn't feel like I have hit a mid life crisis, I don't feel depressed, but I definitely feel different.  The other day I woke up and realized that I was less concerned with what I can build and more thoughtful about what I will leave.  Without an intentional thought, I have given up the "gaining ground" mentality in order to adopt the "leaving a legacy" mentality.
To be honest, I have never been all that good at the "gaining ground" mindset to begin with. I have struggled to be hard nosed in the game of business.  Money has never been something I have seen much of.  Back breaking work seems to have come more natural than innovative thinking.  As I have accepted the fate that I will never gain as much ground as the other guy, my territory has increased anyway.  I have been given way more than I could have ever earned in my own strength, provisions have never run dry and resources have always exceeded the need.  Maybe this is why I can now turn my mind away from gaining ground and toward leaving a legacy...the ground was never mine to gain, it is only mine to steward.

I saw that there is nothing better for a person than to enjoy their work, because that is their lot.  For who can bring them to see what will happen after them?  Ecclesiastes 3:22

Who can bring me to see what will happen after my time is gone?  All that I have worked for, gained and achieved will belong to another and all that remains is not what I left behind, but what I invested...the legacy I leave.  These three amazing kids in the picture above represent the greatest gain of my life.  Apart from my wife, who is my crown, these kids will be my main concern after my time is gone.  How will they turn out?  Who will they give their love to?  Will they be able to handle this life on their own?
Who can bring me back to check on these?  No one.  If I am truly concerned with these beautiful children after I am gone, then I will begin leaving my legacy with them today.

The legacy Shelli and I are hoping to leave is this...
There is One who loves you more than all others.  He desires you, seeks you, waits for you, is compassionate toward you, He will and has already done everything He can for you...
His name is Jesus and you can trust Him.
With all He has done for you, you now do for others.  Micah, Brandt and Justus...
We pray you love others as Jesus loves you.