We joined hands, shuffled across, and JUMPED into the pool.
This is the pool and bar area.
A Crowded Welcome Reception
It was a crowded welcome reception as people scuttled into the pool area. Stephanie and I stood outside as I fumbled on my iPhone to register for the event. She waited by the XYPN "bouncer" as I inputted my email address and checked a bunch of online boxes. Then, the credit card. And the CVC. After ten minutes, we strolled in.
Financial professionals chatted and made small talk. My wife is introverted. This was not her deal, but she agreed. Unsuspectingly, though, this event was different.
We met several people who quickly became our friends. Dillon and Talan, Shehara, and Kaycie (sorry for the wrong spelling). And a young family with a little girl. They are close to my heart. The kind of people you would go with on a family vacation to Montana.
The Weight I Was Carrying
It hasn't been a picnic at the beach. I've been carrying the weight of significant upcoming military responsibilities, the firm's growth (or lack thereof), and raising four young boys in a home where both parents work three jobs.
Fortunately, I receive VA disability benefits at a 100% rating, which relieves some of the financial pressure. Did I share that our two oldest boys were awarded Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) money to pay for their private school? (Forgot to mention that!) That is on top of the ministry discount they receive. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
So, let's pause on the pity party.
Count your blessings one by one,
and look at all the Lord has done.
Wehee!
Swimming Trunks, Just in Case
After I jumped in the water, I felt a "lightness of being." No wonder so many people like to surf and go to the beach in California, Hawaii, and South Carolina. I asked a few people if they surfed in California. A couple of the answers were like, "Yeah, dude, I used to surf and then I had kids." I feel the same way about golf.
These are the moments you don't forget. Carefree like a little child.
Lightness of being.
In Matthew 18:2-4, Jesus calls a child to Him and says, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven" (NIV).
The Ultimate Metric
What I brought home from California was new and deepened relationships. The ultimate metrics are not about business revenue, client growth, number of deployments, or project management tasks complete. The ultimate goal of life, the standard, is faithfulness to God. Did you trust in Jesus, follow Him, and witness to the light and glory of Jesus Christ all of your days? Pastoral question: Are you letting the weight of the world hold you down? Do you feel heavy, tired, or burdened? Be honest with yourself. The answer, as cliché it might sound, is Jesus. He will lighten your load (Matthew 11:28-30). Click here to see the full text: Matthew 11:28-30 NIV - “Come to me, all you who are weary - Bible Gateway
The ultimate goal of life, the standard, is faithfulness to God.
And keeping that goal in mind: I'm right on track. Free as a child.
Know a military leader or veteran family thinking through this? Forward it to them. If someone forwarded this to you, you can join Exponential Purpose here: exponentialedge.kit.com/profile
With you in it, Joshua Brooks, CFP® Founder, Exponential Advisors Army Reserve Chaplain
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Joshua serves as a chaplain in the U.S. Army Reserve. Nothing here implies endorsement by the Department of Defense, the U.S. Army, or the Chaplain Corps.
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The survivor election. The TSP. The first civilian offer. They all land at once. I'm Joshua Brooks, CFP® professional and Army Reserve chaplain, and Exponential Purpose helps military leaders and their families decide well, together, before the deadlines arrive.