turning 28

So I turned 28 today. One of those relatively insignificant birthdays that basically just serves to move you closer to thirty and farther from youth. I guess I'm not sure if I am where I thought I'd be at 28. I'm married. I'm pursuing a career. I'm relatively poor. I'm both smarter and fatter than I've ever been. I suppose I've been busy ingesting...

I'm grateful for the years I've had and hopeful for what's ahead. I enjoy many of the things in my life and the difficulties have all been manageable. God has provided for me. I hope this next year is one where I give more back to the people around me...The purpose of being blessed is to bless others.

ping pong in my brain

I've started to think that the ability to play ping pong with ideas in one's head is actually pretty important. What I mean is, being able to internally produce a point-counterpoint. It requires flexibility. It requires being able to think of a perspective other than your initial reaction or inclination. It might take a little longer but it would seem to be a better way of producing ideas.

Typically, when a situation hits us, we have an initial response: I don't like that person. I want to see that movie. I want an iced coffee.

These seem to come naturally. Maybe they're the serve...now for the return. Maybe I'm reading that person incorrectly. Movies are expensive. I don't have any money.

The game is on...

But their behavior is truly offensive. I haven't seen a preview that appealing in months. An iced coffee would really help me to feel less tired today.

Maybe their bad behavior isn't typical. Do I have time to go see a movie? Is a big, sugary iced coffee a nutritious way to start my day?

Every volley needs an end. You have to make a decision. You have to settle on an opinion or an action. But maybe, if you arrive there after a good game of ping pong, you might be able to better appreciate the winning shot.