earning this life

Today Erin and I watched Saving Private Ryan, or rather, we finished watching it. I realized that having a baby that eats every 1 to 3 hours is not very conducive to watching 3 hour epic war dramas, but we got through it 30 minutes at a time. Mind you, I’ve seen the movie in its entirety twice before. But both other times I’ve seen it I was single, and with no possibility of family. Well, my situation has changed, and with it, my reaction to the movie changed. I cried like I never have before in a movie. I could hear Tom Hanks’ words calling to me: “Jade, earn this.” His character gasps out those words to inspire Private Ryan to make his life worthy of the herculean effort given to save it. Which made me wonder, am I earning this life and the gifts that have been given to me? Is anyone?

From what I’ve learned, true abundance and joy starts with acknowledging and appreciating what we already have. My life is amazing. I am a very proud father (could you tell?) and husband, and have a beautiful, wonderful wife and child. My stepson is awesome and astoundingly talented. I have a great job and am beginning another great job with my future brother-in-law. And that’s just the beginning. I suggest that everyone take a moment and really appreciate what we all have and what we’re creating.

Tomorrow (Monday) I’m going on my first appraisal with my future brother-in-law, Eric. I’m quite excited. I’ll let you all know how it goes.