My 2009 Wish List

2009. Can you believe it? It doesn’t even sound right. As a kid back in … um … I think it was the 1950’s … we used to attach years like “2009″ to space stories, strange futuristic inventions and the Senior Citizens discounts that we looked forward to. When I graduated high school in 1986, the year 2009 would conjure up images of where I might be, what I might be doing, marriage and kids and such. Now it’s here and there is no way I’m 40, is there? I can’t be balding, portly and forgetful, can I? Well, since I can’t remember where I was going with this, here are a few things I am hoping for in the New Year (in no order of significance. 

A Dolphins playoff win (or two) would be phenomenal! After thirty years of unmatched success from 1970 till 1999, the last decade has been hard to watch. Until last weekend, I had forgotten what it is like to root for the Dolphins in a meaningful game. There is a strange Bermuda Triangle thing happening here for me in Indianapolis. Growing up in Maryland, I remember the Colts being in Baltimore, Johnny Unitas, Bert Jones, Memorial Stadium. In 1995 I had a ministry less than an hour from Baltimore and managed season tickets to the Ravens first season. Now I’m in Indy, reunited with the Colts, watching the Ravens take on my beloved Dolphins!!! So, I am pulling for Miami. If they can’t get in, I’ll root for the Colts. If they both lose, I’ll pull for the Ravens. If all else fails, we might still have the Titans (we just moved from Nashville) to pull for! GO FINS!!!

Unto us a child will be born! In late June or early July we will add our fourth and, God willing, final addition to our family. We don’t know if it’s a boy or a girl yet, but we’re pretty certain it’s a baby! I am torn. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my girls. It would be awesome to have one more. We have girl clothes and toys, experience with girls and we inherited a pink nursery in our new home. It was a model home and, for what ever reason, they painted the nursery pink. Maybe it’s a sign. At the same time, a boy would add a bit of diversity to the mix. And while my girls all like sports, it’d be cool to have a son who might like to throw the baseball in the backyard some times. Does that make sense? Either way I’ll be tickled … “pink?” I have a feeling we will have another girl!

I plan to start dating again! Don’t worry, I’m only going to ask Laura out (and possibly Steiner, Pete or CJ in situations where Laura says “no”). For five years in Nashville, we struggled to find a reliable sitter (until the likes of Jenny P and “Grandma Freezy” came along), so our dates would consist of outings like this; Kids eat free night at Applebees, skee ball and arcade games at Chuck E Cheeses or flicks like “Space Chimps” at the local Regal Cinema. Romantic? Not so much. Bonding? Mostly not for Laura and I. Enticing? Ha ha ha ha ha ha. That’s funny. We love every fun night we have with the girls, but we are looking forward to attaining a roster of sitters soon so that we can have some time together again.

Pizza. Hate to be shallow. I wish I was above putting this on the list. I’m just not. Living in a new area presents the opportunity to try new things and see new places. Wherever there is New York or Chicago Style pizza, that is where you will find me.  I will also set a personal record for Skyline Chili consumption this year. We have those all around up here.

 

Hunger for God, Heart for people. Our church is using this simple phrase (which encapsulates Jesus’ words when He was asked which commandment was the greatest) as it’s rally call and mission statement currently. It’s a new direction for them, for us. I want to help them which is part of why I came here. But, more personally, I want to adopt the mentality myself. Loving God and loving people. Jesus made things so simple. He really did. He made it more about the people and less about the rules, rituals or institution. I thought Graham (our Generations Pastor) did a great job of forecasting that idea last week in Richard’s (our trusty leader) absence. I am looking forward to helping Central and the people around me too but I think it starts with me. And with each of us.

Other 2009 expectations would include;

Travel – I plan to do between 35 and 50 performances this upcoming year as well as committing to a missions trip (hopefully Nepal). 

Writing – songs, dramas, comedic material and starting another book.

Exploring Indy – opening up all of the things that Indianapolis has to offer for my wife and kids will be really exciting (Children’s Museum, AAA Baseball, malls, parks, zoos). Chicago, Cincinnati and Louisville are all nearby as well.

Artwork – When we finally get unpacked, I’d like to start drawing again. People here are Colts crazy, so I’d like to do a few more football pieces.

Chinese checkers, underwater welding, Mary Kay meetings, snake slinging, accordion lessons, fencing, studying the national deficit … all the things that “go without saying.” I could go on and on. I wish you all an incredible 2009!!!