Ahhhh...sweet freedom

Well, finals are over and I am not actually sure how I did. I mean I think I got a couple of A's some B's and some C's. I just couldn't tell you which classes I got those it. I mean I am feeling pretty good about Evangelism, but Greek on the other hand...well, I am not so sure. You have to have an 80 for the class to count towards you masters and I was kind of on the line and that final rocked me. Regardless, I have enjoyed the last two days of only working and not worrying about what papers or quizes or tests or books I have to read. I'm reading 3 books right now and I am loving it. I really never pictured myself as much of a reader, but hey what are you gonna do?

I had a few thoughts in regards to Donald Miller's book To Own a Dragon. This book is pretty much Miller's reflections and experiences about the mysteries of Fatherdom since his father abandoned his family before he could walk. *Important note* I love my father. I thank God for the relationship we have and how we have been growing closer as father and son over the last five years. He is a wonderful man and I enjoy every interaction I have with him.*end note* This might lead one to belive that I am about to slam my Dad, but actually I just want to reflect on Miller's reflections and I am going to briefly delve into the past which might reflect poorly on my father and that is not my intention. That said, let's move on. Miller talks about a resentment that grew for older males and how when the men in his life would ever try to impose rules he would resent them for it, even though part of him longed for it. This I felt rang true for me when I was living with my aunt and uncle. My uncle was the first real male authority figure and he did what he felt he needed to in order to instill discipline and equip me to succeed in life even though i was only there for a brief 2 years. What I think struck me more strikingly is that my uncle had allowed me into his home, accepted me into his family and loved me like a son. I just think I spect a great deal of time being ungrateful for what my aunt and uncle were doing for me. In a small sense I got it, but predominantly I was resentful of the structure and rigid discipline. I am not a father, so I really have no clue as to what it is to have a child and the relationship that comes with it. I certainly do not have the experience of taking in a troubled teenager after he has just left an intervention program. And as i reflect on this I feel grateful, so very grateful for the wealth of love that was shown to me. And I also feel ashamed of the disdain I held for so long as a result of my own issues. I thank God for grace and kindness shown to me and the love he has poured out in his son and in the actions of my aunt and uncle. I hope that I can honor them in the future.