27 Years.

Friday, October 15, 2010
27 Years. And so it was 27 years ago today that God brought me into this world. I’ve been thinking in recent months about all I have to be thankful for, and much of that thought process has made its way onto this blog. I’ve shared my thankfulness for influential Pastors, friends, family, etc. But today I want to share my gratitude for a couple of people that are truly special in a set apart way. Without them, I’d not be here – literally.
The story of how my parents were led together by the Lord is a pretty cool one. I won’t get into lots of details, but let’s just say there were some “broken roads” that led them together. And from what I’ve been told, they knew pretty quickly they were meant to be. 3 kids and 30+ years of marriage later, they’re still very much in love. It’s because they understood something about marriage and love that a huge percentage of our society doesn’t: it’s not about the good times, but all the times. Love, they understand, is not a feeling, but rather a lifelong commitment that must weather through all the storms that come and go. It’s a rock – a foundation – upon which the rest of their lives are built. And that kind of love lasts, and they’ve given us Martin kids an example of what that looks like.
I’m told that at the hospital that day my Dad was a little excited to finally have a son. I mean, I was there of course, but for some reason I don’t remember the events of that day very well. Seems that it was slightly traumatic for me. Nonetheless, a son he got. And a Daddy I got. And there has never been a better one. From peewee football games to driving tanks at the National Guard Armory when I’d go to work with him occasionally, I had, and still HAVE, the two best Daddy’s in the universe, both earthly and heavenly.
Of course my mom had something to do with the whole bringing me into the world thing. She was there that day, too. And as traumatic of an event as it was for me, I’m pretty sure she got the bad end of the deal. I was 5 years old when she was having her final surgeries to repair what I did to her that day. But the sacrifices made that day were only the beginning for this woman of God that loves her husband and kids and family more than life itself. She’s had to deal with some tough blows in her life, that’s for sure. But at the end of the day, she has stood tall, a strong, strong woman who knows Who she belongs to. And she’s shown us what that looks like.
So on this birthday of mine I’m choosing to focus more on my gratitude to the ones who made me what I am today. It’s one day of the year, a day much like any other day. Many like to make this day all about themselves. After all, it is my birthday. But that’s a dose of selfishness I just don’t want to drink today. The truth is, all I did to earn this day was travel down a birth canal and cry when the doc slapped my newborn behind. Buddy and Susan Martin did all the work. So thanks Mom and Dad, for being who He wants you to be for my sake. I’m looking forward to the next 27 years of your examples to follow.

That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake

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