Life is hard. Life hurts.
Nobody said it would be easy, but it is definitely worth it.
We can choose to be the guy who sits in our pain, struggles, and insecurities
as we just take every hit life wants to throw at us
OR
we can be the guy who is in the arena,
marred by metaphorical (and sometimes literal)
dust and sweat and blood;
fighting for the victory of whatever battle we face,
knowing that we might get knocked down;
knowing that it might mean feeling like a failure.
I was that guy.
I know what it's like to feel knocked down by life,
trying to decide if it is worth getting back up only to be knocked down again.
Driving a truck for 13 years, I missed the early years of my kids growing up;
missed family holidays and vacations;
alone;
forced to face my insecurities, hurts, and struggles
in the cab of a semi.
Yet, I am thankful for the personal growth that happened in those years.
It was kind of like a long-term "walkabout."
You know, that rite of passage in Australian Aboriginal society
where males around 10 to 16 years old live in the wilderness and
can last up to six months.
All for the purpose of transitioning into manhood traditionally and spiritually.
I am a better man because of it.
I am sad of what I missed out on, but
thankful that God used that time to make me a better man.
One of the books that helped me in this time was
Wild At Heart by John Elderedge.
I highly recommend it as a great first step
in becoming the man you were created to be.
The world needs good men.
The world needs YOU!