“Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.” – Colossians 3:12-15

Godly maturity: not always so easy. Growing up, I was taught never to give up. Never to surrender but to push forward and keep striving, which did well for me in school and on the soccer field. Along the way, this teaching became unbalanced in my life because I bunkered into the never give up and never surrender mentality.

Daddy, can you play dinosaurs with me? My oldest son asks me as I’m running out the door for my first appointment of the day. His big blue eyes shine with hope as he anticipates me sitting down and grabbing the triceratops. I’m sorry buddy, daddy has to go to work but we will play when I get home. My heart aches as I close the door of my car, feeling like I let my little boy down.

“He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.” — Proverbs 18:22

I was a young man in a serious relationship, having a marriage discussion with my parents. They gave me the most excellent marriage advice I’ve ever heard in my life. I still use it and apply it to this day. They told me to apply the same energy and effort I gave to basketball, writing, games, work, or whatever it is I do with great enthusiasm, into my marriage, and making my wife happy.

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” — Proverbs 22:6

I read an article once that was titled “How To Be a Better Father,” which, of course, I felt I needed to read. It started at ten and worked its way down to the number one way to be a better dad. That number one reason was to be present.

“I feel alone”. A common expression. Do you like being alone? Do you like being alone with God?

One can be lonely anywhere. You don’t have to be alone to experience loneliness. Chances are deep loneliness comes when you are alone, but you can feel isolated even when you are in a crowd. (e.g., going to work on a subway or eating lunch in a crowded restaurant.)