Where I Stand: Robert's Blog

Maybe some of you recognize the title from the song Come to Light by the Arkells. Or, more likely, this line brings to mind a common lesson we all heard at some point growing up. “The truth will eventually come out.” “Lies and deceit will only temporarily solve the problem, and most likely will make matters worse.” The common connotation that comes with this message is one of warning. However, I’d also like to delve into how it can be taken as a hopeful message. Either way, the fact of the matter is that the things you do when no one is watching is what counts. When I was 6 I had a problem with hiding my lunch. My mom would often pack for me and my siblings leftovers from dinner. I can’t remember if I had some people poke fun of me for my lunch or if I simply didn’t want to be seen with it, but I decided I’d hide my leftovers. My hiding spot was a closet near our backdoor, an easy drop-off for me upon leaving or arriving home. It was a great plan in my 6-year-old mind, but you can ...

Like many people, I was looking towards the new year with hope and expectation. Especially after the tumultuous year we had, 2018 has got to be better. I often try to take an optimistic perspective on life, however, in the past, that hasn’t always been coupled with realism. What I mean to say is that I have been guilty of making many new year resolutions that don’t last beyond the first couple weeks. No doubt you know what I am talking about. Over the years though, through many failed attempts and from receiving lessons from others, I have better learned how to effectively set new changes in my life, at any point in my life. I’ll admit there is a lot more that I could still learn! But, hey, that’s what life is about. At the end of 2017 I came across a quote from a book I was reading called Wild At Heart by John Eldredge. “ Don’t ask yourself what the world needs, ask yourself what makes you come alive, because what the world needs are men who have come alive.” It wasn’t necessar...