The 1959 edition of my favorite resource, Webster’s New School and Office Dictionary, defines appreciate as a verb meaning to value the worth of; esteem highly; prize; be sensible of; or raise in value.  So, I ask you, “Do you appreciate your journey”?  As in the journey that is your life.

To be crystal clear, allow me to say that I’m not asking if you place yourself in some high and lofty position above others because of who you are.  To do so would define the height of arrogance.  To attain the ultimate level of selfishness.  I’m asking if you’ve ever taken opportunity to examine your personal trip through time in an effort to understand why you are whom you are?

I have and I do.  If you haven’t taken time, perhaps it’s because you are much younger than I and the stresses and pressures of this life prevents your doing so.  I remember a recent past that provided little opportunity for such luxury.  Perhaps, it hasn’t been important to you.  I hope your life will last long enough for such thoughts to gain importance.

A through examination of my life reveals to me, that my journey is not mine, it is ours.  As a Christian I believe that the Creator of all of this has impacted my life in ways that, in hindsight I am aware of, as well as many more ways that I may never realize.  I am also aware that I have enjoyed sixty five years accompanied by a cast of many thousands who have played important rolls in the dramatic comedy of my life.  A life in which I truthfully play only a minor roll.  Although my roll has been insignificant, I’ve loved every minute of it, and I pray that I have many more.  If you have been part of this production, thank you for your time and effort.

Please allow me to challenge you to take the time to examine your own journey.  More examples to which I refer to come.  Meanwhile, enjoy your thoughts!