My Other Birthday

October 26 is always a special day for me. It’s my other birthday.

I’m a pastor by profession but I determined when I started this website that I didn’t want it to be too “preachy.” I know that many of you are not in the same camp with me spiritually. Some of you are here because of my emphasis on simple living and global needs – not the faith component. I’m cool with that and I’m glad you’re here.

Simply put, I’d rather model Jesus than shove him down your throat so I try to be subtle with my beliefs here.

But I do want you to know that each year on October 26 I celebrate my other birthday. It’s my spiritual birthday. On this day, as a lost, wandering, floundering, purposeless 17-year-old high school senior, I said, “Yes” to following Jesus.

That decision changed my life forever.

One of my favorite movies of all time is It’s A Wonderful Life. Jimmy Stewart plays George Bailey who has an opportunity to see how the world would be different if he were never born. I often wonder how different my life would be if I had not said “Yes” that night.

• I wouldn’t be married to my incredible wife, Beth.
• I wouldn’t have my two wonderful children and their spouses.
• I wouldn’t have one of the best jobs in the world.
• I wouldn’t have traveled to almost every continent in the world.
• I wouldn’t have scores of quality people in my life.
• I wouldn’t have the education that I have.
• I wouldn’t have the passion for life that I have.
• I wouldn’t have the peace and joy that I have.
• I wouldn’t have the blessed life that I’ve enjoyed.

I’d probably be a crabby old man. (My co-workers think I’m a crabby old man now. Part of it is an act.   )

I honestly cannot imagine what my life would be like today if I had ignored Jesus. Would I be married? Divorced? Educated? Employed? In jail? Off my rocker? Demented? It’s hard to say.

Where would Beth be? Who would Amanda and Kyle be married to since my kids wouldn’t exist? Who would have pastored the churches that I led? (Better speakers, I’m sure.) What about those I’ve influenced over the years? Where would they be?

Indeed, the decision that I made years ago set the foundation for every other decision that I have made since then. God literally changed my life 34 years ago.

I have not gotten over it. I never will.

Two guys were instrumental in helping me with my decision that day. I try to call them every October 26 to say thanks for loving me and leading me to radical life change. In a little while, I’ll make those two calls again today – one of the best days of the year.

I hope your life is wonderful too.

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