Insight in Italy

I was in Italy visiting a friend where we stopped to throw (skip) rocks on the river. I ended up walking down a little by myself when I saw a clump of debris (sticks) stuck on the rocks from what seemed to be from receeded water from a previous down pour. Like a boy I wanted to set the sticks free to flow with the river and most of them did just that.

With the exception of a big stick about an inch in diameter and 3-4 feet in length that got stuck between the rocks and now fast moving water. As I watched the stick get mauled between the rock and the fast moving water I had an insight. The sticks resistance change to go where the powerful flow wanted it to go was causing it to take on some serious pain and abuse. If left alone the stick would eventually be broken in half. Attributing that to my life I thought of myself and my God given purpose. For the past ~15 years I have resisted God, His callings, and the changes needed in my life. At that moment I realized that I was no different than the stick....stuck, tired, drowning, alone, and not at peace.

I am no where close to the person that I need to become, but I have learned this summer that who I used to be was unacceptable and therefore I am commited to doing whatever it takes to become the best dad, spouse, leader, and servant of God that I can be.