Winds of Change

I've never really been one to cry.  I didn't cry at my dads funeral, I faked a cry at my step-dads funeral, I didn't cry at my wedding. As a matter of fact, I cannot think of a time when I have really cried about anything that you are "suppose" to cry about.  My one weakness is achievement.  I open up the tear gates when I see someone achieve something.  The Olympics are tough for me, watching a veteran player win a championship tears me up, and seeing someone overcome adversity will open up the flood gates.

Recently I have been paying particular attention to others who have achieved.  Reading Baron Batches blog has gotten to me.  No matter what happens in his NFL career he has achieved....

My cousin Mark, who gave up on a life of making serious money in real estate to influence the youth of today. 

Following Stewart Scott on Twitter and even through Chemo, He has a great attitude.  This dude is an achiever...

There are many many more.....

The reason my mind is on achievement is because I found this week my family is growing by 2.  My nephews age 3 and 5 are coming to live with me for an undisclosed amount of time.  It could be as little as 4 months or until high school graduation.  We are unsure.  These two boys are being raised by parents that remind me of my parents, drug addicted, abusive and unconcerned.  I see them and I see myself and wonder what did I do to overcome and achieve?  How did I become a success?  These are the questions that I need to ask before the arrival of our new additions.  How do I  teach them to be young mean of character? 

For the first time in forever I cried last night while laying in my hotel bed.  Some tears of joy, some of sadness, but I cried.  I thought about their future and how much influence I could have on them during their time with us.  I questioned how to raise these two boys and also spend quality time with my wife and daughters.  I prayed that we would be able to share our faith with these boys. 

I know all of these questions will be answered in God's timing.  For now, I know this....I saw the boys today and taught them how to get their guns up!  I told them they could ride a horse when they got here and explained that they will have their own beds when they come to our house.  I ask for your help Lord in giving us the strength to lead these boys so that years down the road, I will cry again because they have achieved.