Aren't Christmas letters interesting? They come in all kinds. There are those that lean toward the hilarious, there are those that list off things the kids and parents are thankful for (maybe my favorite to read), there are the informational, and the event based.
A great friend shared with me that our 2004 Christmas letter caused him to want to write a screen play. He was having one of those days--you know...THOSE days. He read the letter and secretly dreamed of the freedom of being able to send out a Christmas letter that was full of honest truth about the year...even humorously honest. It struck me. Mainly it struck me because we've literally had friends call us and ask us if our kids were really as perfect as my blog made them out to be. Of course we had to put the phone down to keep from choking from painful laughter.
Perception is a funny thing, isn't it? I find that I like to think and dwell on the positive. I think that's a good thing--but sometimes it bites me in the butt and causes me to come off in a way that is completely irritating. I guess I sometimes assume that people know enough about the hard stuff in our lives and don't really want to read about it in a Christmas letter. But--then again, there's something to be said for honesty. The hugest irony in it all is--if you go back and read my 2004 entries, you'll see that it was a year of utter HELL. Maybe the worst year of my adult life--aside from the year my dad died. I think my friend should write a great show about that--it would be hilarious. And, I want Will Ferrell to play me.
I wanted to blog about this today because it's important to note that life is full of real struggle whether you're a minister, a dad, a lawyer, a performer, or a student. I want to try and be more honest about where I am. I guess that's one reason I haven't blogged much lately. I am not sure I know. I've been doing A LOT of processing. It's really been good. Good and hard. I had a great afternoon with Don Finto yesterday--a Nashville father figure for me. I needed that.
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I went over to our new building today. We're looking at doing a bunch of things to the stage and it's all SO exciting! I could literally do back flips. I can't believe this is happening in a month. We also had a significant meeting today as a staff with someone helping us think through how to do business differently--thinking about reaching lost people and how that should impact our services and our attitudes. It was so energizing for me.
I pray that your day is great! Thanks for bearing with me as I'll be pouring out random assortments of thoughts and feelings over the coming weeks. There's much to be done for Fresno. Thanks for your prayers regarding that trip next week!
Thursday, January 12, 2006
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8 comments:
Can you literally do back flips? Cause if so, I wanna see. I figured moving up the date of the move would stress you out more, but I'm glad you are still so excited about it.
Praying for you today Brother! As someone who's his share of Hell-acious years, I can totally relate with the need for some processing. :-)
You are doing great things Brandon, and you will continue to be great in Christ!
I picked up on your blog after Zoe Nashville 2004. The thing that made me keep coming back is that it is authentic. I liked that fact that you weren't embarrassed to share the real you and all the goofy things you do, the struggles you have, the mistakes you make, and your real-life pursuit of God. I love the photos you share of your family. The "Christian" world is so full of people only showing their best sides that it is a breath of fresh air to know that people I really admire are just like me in a whole lotta ways. I don't think you're perfect (I'm not sure about Sheryl- she does seem pretty close to super-woman (grin)), and I'm really glad you take the time to share your life with us.
Same for your mom too...I love her blog! At Zoe this past year, I went to the Thurs night concert you had upstairs with the different stations, and your mom was at one of the stations blessing people. I was already in awe of her, and when it was my turn she blessed me- and called me by name! My mouth almost dropped open... how in the world did she know my name? I made it back to my seat in a awe-blessed fog where I looked down... and saw my name tag! I was relieved to find that she did not have supernatural mind-reading powers after all!
So thankful for you and excited about the new facility.
Tracking with you on the self examination stuff.
Sandy,
I'm quite sure Miss Judy DOES have supernatural powers, name tag or not :)
I'm trying to think who should play Sheryl if Will Ferril plays you. I re-read your Christmas letter and didn't think it was too perfect! I think sometimes it is hard for others to get that when we (collective for the world here) list the blessings God gives us, we are almost awe struck that he would be so good to us. It's more of a praise to him though I have found myself not taking list of blessings that way.
ANYWAY I know you are real and true and I appreciate that you put yourself out there for us all to read! Blessings to you (and your family) in this busy busy time!
And I agree that Ms Judy has supernatural powers! Don't let the nametag fool you!
Praying for you, friend. Almost time for our annual just off the plane stop in Fresno...are you ready? Love you. See you soon.
It seems Hell has visited so many of us in 2005. Glad that one's over.
Nicole Kidman plays Sheryl and there you go.
The thought of Will Ferrell makes me laugh. The thought of him playing BST makes me laugh even harder. Thanks for that chuckle this morning!
And thanks for being honest about the fact that you do have struggles. I think you're right...sometimes those of us who don't have quite as positive a mindset (like Jana) can be easily irritated with those who DO have a more upbeat outlook on life. Thanks for explaining your take on all that.
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