A realization of how blessed we are...

Working for the YMCA has provided me with a variety of experiences that I would probably never get to experience in any other organization. In February, I was able to take photos at our annual Military Father-Daughter Dance. That evening over 200 fathers and 250 daughters gathered in a formal environment to spend time together, and enjoy one another's company. During the course of the evening, not only did I shoot more than 1100 photos, I was able to speak with a variety of men who serve or have served our country as active military. Every branch was represented, and after hearing some of the stories, I was even more amazed by their dedication and sacrifice than ever before.

One of the fathers I connected with was a young man, probably in his mid twenties, that was very decorated. I knew that in the short time in the military, he had to experience far more than I could ever imagine. One of the main reasons that I connected so quickly with him, was because he brought his 18 month old daughter. I was notified this morning that he died while serving in Iraq...even now, tears begin to fill my eyes as I realize that his little girl may never remember her daddy, even though I was able to witness his sincere love for her.

As I drove home this evening after a fairly rough day at work, I recognize that it was not a rough day at all in comparison with what his family is experiencing. You see, I was able to walk in the door, greet my beautiful wife, and when Silas started fussing 10 minutes ago, go in, give him back his "nuk", kiss him on the forehead, and allow him to go back to sleep. Though we would love to live in town, closer to work, in our own place...I realize how blessed we are. We have the two things that really matter in life.

God has been kind in extending his grace to us. Because of Christ's work on the cross, we can spend eternity with Him...we don't deserve it, but I am thankful for it. Secondly, I have been blessed with an incredible wife, and an adorable son, to whom I can come home to each night. I thank God for his kindness to me for this as well...

I'll share some picture from this past weekend up in Estes Park. After a day like today, what really matters in life is clearly in view!