Another Year Older

On Friday, December 15th, 1989, I was born. I missed the fall of the Berlin Wall by a month. I would remember little of the coverage of the Panama invasion and Persian Gulf that were to come. Despite this all, I was welcomed into the world. As a kid, I would joke that the Christmas decorations were up for my birthday. My mom laughed. In a sense, Jesus and I have that a birthday on the same month.

Every birthday, I always reflect on some of the things I’ve accomplished since my last birthday, and my hopes as I embark on another year of life.

Things I've Accomplished

New job

After many stints in the minimum wage gigs, I felt that real calling was the classroom. Hence, I became a teacher at an all-boys school. For many years, I have been encouraged to use my talents for a bigger purpose. I’ve made excuses or brush it off with lame excuses.

Recognized as Sir Knight of the Year

My fellow sir knights recognized me as Sir Knight of the Year. What an honor. They recognized my leadership and efforts to engage more members of the order.

Bible in a Year/Catechism in a Year

While it has been a challenge, I have managed to be closely completing both podcasts. It hasn’t been easy. The secret is finding the time to do them.

Recorded Podcasts

Once more, I’ve helped my friend and colleague record more episodes for our podcast that is becoming a game changer.

Entered a romantic relationship

Hard to believe that I have been single for most of my life. I was dating in high school. Then had a bit of a drought. After a breakup from a long distance relationship, I endured ten years of singlehood. A wonderful woman came into the picture, and we’ve been in love. We’ve had our challenges, but it has helped make our love for one another stronger.

I’ve shown her things she never knew before. At the same time, she has taught me some things (go figure the fact teachers can teach each other).

While these are monumental accomplishments, I think what is the most important is that God had me be on earth for a purpose. I am yet to discover it.

I may be 34. I have much of my life ahead of me. Soon, I will be halfway to my life expectancy (70). Every birthday and New Year, I always reflect on the Prophet Jeremiah, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11).

In a sense, God gives me hope because he is the author of my life. He can show me the future. All that I must do is place my trust in him.

My hope and prayer is that I continue to acknowledge that God is greater than my desires. He is the way that can lead me to heaven. He is my rock, my guide, and my hope.