Thank you for sending out your current story. I am a facts and data kind of guy and I have learned that a “story” is data with a soul. You story has a lot of soul. Your “nexus of necessity and freedom” (as you put it) is a powerful story about working though life’s challenges and moving on. I am excited for where you are right now. Life is strange and it is the confronting of this strangeness where we lean and grow as people. I appreciate you taking the time to share this with us.
I can't help but feel the force of the loss conveyed through your words, Chris, but in equal and resounding measure, the strength of your character, and ultimately, behind that, your faith/faithfulness. I felt the weight of the word - valuable - as particularly heavy as I read the piece, and again what comes through is that you've made decisions to value family. Nothing but respect here, my friend.
Fascinating tale, Christopher. Your mom and entire family will definitely be blessed by this long journey “home”… Many unseen opportunities and surprises await your family. Keep facing forward.
Chris - thanks for this update and reflection. I think by mid-life we realise that it takes a special kind of asshole - or someone with very few actual relationships - to be the greatest ever. That's not how Christian discipleship works. Bonhoeffer speaks of 'our life's fragments' that God weaves into HIS sublime picture. So while there's acceptance and denying oneself, there's also hope that one receives oneself back, many times over . And you've taught me to love the Phillies!
Wow, Chris, you and your family have been “through the winepress” for sure. So sorry for all you have faced with family issues, but it looks like situations are moving in the right direction. I’ve read Paul’s magnificent doxology in the 11th chapter of Romans many times lately. He’s in apostolic grief, but he’s able to write this beautiful anthem. It’s a scary thing to put our lives into God’s providential hands. We have no idea what the future holds, but He does and we trust Him for it. Best wishes to you, and to your whole family.
Great post, there’s a quote in Michael Lewis Vanity Fair article title Monks bearing bonds that says from one of the monks at Mt Athos that I have loved for a long time, “The wise man accepts, the fool insists”. I’ve come to learn the hard way how true that is.
My wife and I rewatched the Natural last night, and it was cool because the movie landed so much differently as an adult, it’s a beautiful movie, there was something there about how sports let’s us go back to a time of innocence that gets lost with time. He broke out of his slump when he saw his childhood love in the stands, thank you for reminding me of this movie.
Wow... I won't have "smart words" to comment but I will tell you that your story and your mom's story resonates with me. Everyone who works hard at their career feels a bit of "death" when career change happens. In my experience, death stings but time makes sense of everything. As for Ms. Barnett, she is/was/will always be one of the sweetest HHS parent I ever knew. p.s. My mom had polio. One thing I know for sure, post-polio survivors are some of the most determined people , hardest working people on the planet. You and JoAnna have that attribute-thank your mom.
Thank you for sending out your current story. I am a facts and data kind of guy and I have learned that a “story” is data with a soul. You story has a lot of soul. Your “nexus of necessity and freedom” (as you put it) is a powerful story about working though life’s challenges and moving on. I am excited for where you are right now. Life is strange and it is the confronting of this strangeness where we lean and grow as people. I appreciate you taking the time to share this with us.
Many thanks Dan. Much appreciated as always!
I can't help but feel the force of the loss conveyed through your words, Chris, but in equal and resounding measure, the strength of your character, and ultimately, behind that, your faith/faithfulness. I felt the weight of the word - valuable - as particularly heavy as I read the piece, and again what comes through is that you've made decisions to value family. Nothing but respect here, my friend.
“I believe, help my unbelief…”
Fascinating tale, Christopher. Your mom and entire family will definitely be blessed by this long journey “home”… Many unseen opportunities and surprises await your family. Keep facing forward.
I really appreciate you reading—and for the kind words!
Chris - thanks for this update and reflection. I think by mid-life we realise that it takes a special kind of asshole - or someone with very few actual relationships - to be the greatest ever. That's not how Christian discipleship works. Bonhoeffer speaks of 'our life's fragments' that God weaves into HIS sublime picture. So while there's acceptance and denying oneself, there's also hope that one receives oneself back, many times over . And you've taught me to love the Phillies!
Well put Michael! Bonhoeffer is an apt choice. Alas, as any Phillies fan would tell you, you have not joined a club for the fainthearted! Lol
Man, this is quite a series of events! Get in touch with Bentley-Hart and do something on Baseball! 😬
Haha, I don’t know him personally, but I’d be game. And I’m obviously NOT a Yankees fan!
Of course; they’re awful. Well, in the interim I’ll continue to enjoy reading your musings on here.
Wow, Chris, you and your family have been “through the winepress” for sure. So sorry for all you have faced with family issues, but it looks like situations are moving in the right direction. I’ve read Paul’s magnificent doxology in the 11th chapter of Romans many times lately. He’s in apostolic grief, but he’s able to write this beautiful anthem. It’s a scary thing to put our lives into God’s providential hands. We have no idea what the future holds, but He does and we trust Him for it. Best wishes to you, and to your whole family.
Great post, there’s a quote in Michael Lewis Vanity Fair article title Monks bearing bonds that says from one of the monks at Mt Athos that I have loved for a long time, “The wise man accepts, the fool insists”. I’ve come to learn the hard way how true that is.
Great quote! Really appreciate the comment Tony…
My wife and I rewatched the Natural last night, and it was cool because the movie landed so much differently as an adult, it’s a beautiful movie, there was something there about how sports let’s us go back to a time of innocence that gets lost with time. He broke out of his slump when he saw his childhood love in the stands, thank you for reminding me of this movie.
That’s one of the best scenes of the movie, for sure—maybe even better than the final HR! Glad you enjoyed…
Wow... I won't have "smart words" to comment but I will tell you that your story and your mom's story resonates with me. Everyone who works hard at their career feels a bit of "death" when career change happens. In my experience, death stings but time makes sense of everything. As for Ms. Barnett, she is/was/will always be one of the sweetest HHS parent I ever knew. p.s. My mom had polio. One thing I know for sure, post-polio survivors are some of the most determined people , hardest working people on the planet. You and JoAnna have that attribute-thank your mom.
Many thanks Nivada. I didn’t know about your mom—wow. I wonder if my mom is aware. I’ll be sure to ask her…