"It's a long, hard road..." This is how Russ Taff began his cover of The Call's "I Still believe" way back in the 80's. That little intro comment set to stage for one of my favorite songs during those days. In retrospect Taff's little comment was the perfect little addition for his version of "I Still Believe". For the 25 years or so since I first heard that song it has been one long, hard road. Now let me be clear: I am not setting myself up as some suffering saint or would be martyr. I have not experienced the troubles & trials that many of you have, yet that does not erase the adversity on the road behind me. Looking ahead, what do I see? As another year approaches I see the journey before me growing shorter as the speed of time seems to accelerate. Sure, it might be a mid-life crisis. Or it might be perspective - a perspective informed and altered by my life's multifaceted experiences - it's been a long, hard road... A lot has changed since I jammed to Russ Taff in my college dorm room. I've moved around town, worked different jobs (blue collar, white collar, labor, management & sales!), had a couple of surgeries and buried my dad. I've gotten married and am now raising three terrific children with my lovely wife. I've been part time & full time in ministry. I am smarter and DUMBER than I have ever been! I've made mistakes - many of them to be truthful and I've come to clearly recognize my limitations. I've confronted the undeniable realty of aging. I've seen loyalty and too much disloyalty. I've also come to rely of the grace of God more then ever. There is a lot I would do differently but there's no rewind button in life. It's a long, hard road...full speed ahead!
That's what I'm talkin bout.
