Here's a small scrapbook from my time in the ME . . .

Looking Forward

This was something I wrote while I was waiting on a ship at the start of my sea time:

Lord,

Prepare me. Prepare me for this life ahead. This life that is about to begin. I’m approaching the end of one adventure and existence and am about to embark on another. This one built on the foundations laid by the first. I look forward to what lies ahead. As a man looks forward to what lies over the horizon, not knowing exactly what is there but knowing that it is there. I look forward to the thought of spending the rest of my days with my best friend, my wife and lover, by my side to live out each day’s adventure anew. . I look forward to the next day, of one more day to breathe deep the adventures that await the persistent man. I look forward to the hard times when I learn of how wondrous you are. I look forward to growing old and tired and looking back at my life and, with a sigh and a smile . . . .well simply sigh and smile at it all. At how wonderfully blessed it has been. These things I look forward to. These things I long for. For these things I can only patiently await the day. But the day was yesterday. But the day is today. But the day is yet to come. . . for it is tomorrow. And I will embrace it with such intense fervor that it can not escape me. I will laugh till I cry at the hard times. I will sing and dance in the storm. For You have given me a gift. And I will not sit idly by and watch it pass. The blessings you have bestowed upon me I do not deserve but I will not, no, can not refuse. Father, I want to live this life the way you created for me to live it. I want to love one. I want to explore all. I want to work. I want to . . . .want to do so much. Ha! And yet there is so little time. Use me, Jesus. Please. Simply use me; make me that sweet earthy clay that can be molded into whatever the Potter sees in it. And I will be content . . . precious contentment . . . Amen.