Do you ever look in the mirror and see a younger version of yourself?
From time to time I look in the mirror and I still see the me from 1990. A 12 year old kid with a lot of hope for the future, but also a lot of hangups.
Or I see the me from 1999. A 21 year old newlywed with the love of his life by his side and a ton of big dreams…broke, but extremely happy.
Or I see the me from 2002. A 24 year old standing in front of a church performing the ceremony and singing at the wedding of 2 wonderful friends who has since become closer than family (and have since been marrieed over 20 years and have had a beautiful family of their own).
Or I see the me from 2004. A 26 year old who has just been diagnosed with cancer and doesn’t know what the future will hold.
Or I see the me from 2008. A 30 year old holding a baby boy, so mesmerized by life and the love of family.
Or I see the me from 2016. A 38 year old who is burned out and praying for a change only to be let go from one job to move to another state to take a better one.
Or I see the me from 2018. A 40 year old who has been diagnosed with recurrent cancer and who is praying for healing and restoration.
Or I see the me from today. A 44 year old who loves his life, messy though it may be…the love of my life still by my side along with a son who is my pride and joy.
Life has not been easy. Parts have been very messy. Through it all it has been beautiful. I have made good decisions. I have made horrible decisions. I am still here. I get to try again.
I have to remember when I look in the mirror that I can not be a prisoner of the past. Each day brings an opportunity to cherish the ones I love. Each day brings an opportunity to do better and exert the agency I have been given. Each day is another day God has given me to do good.
David Willis 