Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. – Philippians 4:8-9

So how do I begin to say anything that even begins to communicate how blessed I am? Consider this:

1. Today is the 40th anniversary of the day Rebekah and I stood together at the front of the church and promised a lifetime of commitment, faithfulness, adventure, and love.
2. We just had our third (beautiful beyond description) grandchild.

A Remarkable Journey:

It has not just been forty years, but four decades of a most remarkable journey. And so, in keeping with ideas like “journey”, “adventure”, “epic”, and “blessed”, we decided to celebrate with another overseas trek. Of course – and just like our life together – we got a rich dose of everything we were looking for, and more.

Our son Andrew took this photograph when we said goodbye Thursday morning. He used it on the “Intentionally International” Facebook page to illustrate how it is possible to travel light even when it’s an 18-day trip. I’m using it because it tells one of the most compelling elements of our four-decade story together – that is it’s possible to travel light on the journey that defines what it means to really live.

Rebekah and I “travel light” in the sense that we don’t overpack with the wrong baggage. We have developed a good grasp of what is important and what is not. I can say without any hesitation that our happiness is in being committed to one another and in navigating this journey together.

We really don’t care about all the “stuff” that tends to drag people down and get in the way of tasting the joy and excitement of the real adventure – the one that counts both in terms of relationship and eternity. And “the real adventure” is living not just faithful lives but lives of faith. That faith perspective keeps us grounded, and light on our feet, and focused on what is true, and good, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable – and more.

Tune in again tomorrow for the first authorized photo of our new grandson, “Mr. T”.

For now, just join me in thanking God for Rebekah and for our life together. It truly is epic.

In love, and because of love – DEREK

On our 40th – worship at 1st Pres Wilson

The epic 40th trip

waiting for the tram to go to church

On our 40th – flowers and a card