The joys of life:

Celebrating my dad's birthday today.

Working in the backyard with my dad, throwing back some Fat Tire while doing yard work as the thunder clouds rolled in.

Spending a day with my family as a whole. That never happens.

The intensity of the pouring rain, and how refreshing the air felt against my face.

My dog Teddy, curling up in a ball at my feet.

Jazz music. Sweet, soft and sexy.

It's all very much an incredible thing to have and enjoy these provisions from God. I don't know what I would do otherwise. Yet, I also find that I long to just be with my Lord. For it would be far better than anything I could have. And the things I could have would be amazing; just not better.

I could move out right now, but saving and paying off the rest of my small debt would be better.
I could buy a new car, but it wouldn't be the best decision.
I could have a girlfriend, because there are 6 who would, but none of them are right for me.
I could give up music and pursue other things, but I would be disobeying the Lord.
I could throw it all away and leave and do something else, but that's entirely too selfish. (Besides, who wants to become a lonely octogenarian that owns a bookstore with the pretense of a faux life?)
I could do many other things, but I'm learning stewardship and waiting on the Lord.

I don't do things, because the time isn't right. I do things because it is orchestrated that way. God is good, and hard things make for better days.