Happy OCD!

Yesterday, while celebrating my 52nd Orbit Completion Date, a few things occurred to me. Primarily, that I had nothing to do with my birth. My dad helped set the process in motion, but it was through my mother's straining, and the doctor's expert use of forceps, that I began my first orbit, completely helpless. All I knew was how to cry, eat, sleep, and fill up diapers. All of these are good things, which I still do to this day.  During my 52 orbits, I've learned a few valuable lessons. Admittedly, a good many of these were told to me or they're self-evident, but I had to experience them the hard way. I haven't lived through the lessons of a man, who's completed 100 orbits, but I have very good reasons to stick around that long. So, I took some inventory, as I embark on orbit 53, I find the following lessons to be note worthy. Maybe you relate to a few.


* Never chase your puppy into the road.
* Be very selective when using absolutes, like never and always.
* For reasons unknown, some people don't like you. That's okay.
* It is possible to cut wet grass.
* Treat everyone with dignity and respect.
* You imagine and plan for the future, you read or recall the past, but right now you're creating the past, as well as your trajectory into the future.
* If one's application of grace is race-based, then they're racist.
* The "hook up" culture will never know the beauty of a meaningful slow dance.
* Some will advance through life with ease, but there's no true progress without effort.
* The things people say to you also includes the things they don't say or ask about.
* The one thing I truly hate is a festering misunderstanding.
* Facebook needs this post option "That's stupid and you're stupid."
* It's ok to kiss with your eyes open.
* Give people room to be human.
* In the same way we give children a push, when they're learning to ride a bike, we must give them a good push towards adulthood, by reading to them, when they're young.
* Don't tell your dad to get some rest and see a doctor, when he says he's sick and tired.
* Never jump out of a 2nd story window to avoid being "it".
* Sweat is a very dear friend.
* Always expect nothing.
* Time grinds to a halt on your worst days, when life hits hardest, but soon the sun rises with a warm smile and the birds sing a song that's just for you.
* Arrogance is a symptom of deeper issues.
* Our awe of creation is but a taste of our ultimate awe of The King.
* When in doubt, sleep on it. If you're still in doubt then sleep on it a few more times.
* There are billions of people, who dream of having my problems.
* Say what you mean.
*  Hold the door for others, but hold your tongue for yourself.
* There's no better daily calibration than coffee, silence, and prayer in the morning.