Proverbs 14:4 says,

Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox come abundant harvests.

Without oxen…the stables stay clean. You don’t have to pick up ox poop. There are no ox-related problems to deal with. Life is less messy. It’s easier. But…

You don’t get any fields plowed.

There are no ox-related benefits to reap.

The use and blessing of a working ox isn’t a part of your life.

This has nothing to do with livestock.

Perfectionism has no place with humans. Every strength has it’s weakness and every gift has it’s downside. Are you going to be like the man who buried his single talent in the field because he was afraid he couldn’t do something perfect with it?

If you want to accomplish anything of value, you’re going to have to shovel some crap.

The terrors of the night can be overwhelming when you’re two.

Is there something under the bed?

What was that shadow?

I’m going to find mom and dad.

It doesn’t happen often, rather, what seems like the most perfect interval of time. Sometime between 2 and 4am I am invited into overtime with my boy. We’ve tried to send him back to bed, but on certain nights…you just know. And so we grab our blankies and we head into the living room. We snuggle and watch a movie or play a game on a digital device that we take for granted.

For certain people, overtime means pay plus another half…if it’s really special…double your normal wage. I’m not sure how to calculate what this falls into, but I love the overtime with my son.

I’ve been enjoying my wife Allison’s maternity leave more than I can express. She’s got about 5 weeks left before she returns to work. It’s going to be a little rough getting used to two full time jobs again. We’re trying to make the most of it though…and the kids are loving it.

I’ve been letting this little baby Claire sleep on me whenever I can…

I’ve been taking pictures of other people too…

I’ve been working closely with this dirty guy…

He is now the Executive Pastor of Vineyard Westside Church. He executivizes things.

I’ve been getting used to my new position at work. A little over a month ago, I was promoted to Senior Pastor. Although I’d prefer to be called Señor Pastor…it’s going pretty well so far. I’ve got a lot to learn, but thankfully God has been giving me what I need day to day.

Someday…I may blog regularly again.