In our lifetime we change.    We live as children and grow into adults.  Our experiences mold us.  Our success and tragedies change us... sometimes for good.  Sometimes for the worse.  In either case we travel in a journey that no other person can make for us. 
 
We have choices to make that define us as people.  Choices between what is ultimately good and evil.  Sometimes you cross paths with good people, sometimes you cross paths with bad people and you decide to change your own path in life by traveling with them.  These times in life are known as "cross roads".    At these cross roads you may or may not change.  The day you become a parent is a crossroad in life.   You learn the true meaning of the word sacrifice that day and you decide to act on it or remain the person you were before your child was born.  Do you enter your second life that day or do you reject it?  It is a day you learn to love unconditionally or your live a life of selfish desire.

In the Christian religion we come to a point where we are faced with the reality that God has a plan will and purpose. It is clearly defined for us and we at that time... at that cross road decide if we believe or accept God or if we choose to move on down another path without God.   If you choose God you are born again and you live a second life. A new life as a Christian.  You only live twice.

Now this important life event can also be used as a metaphor in so many other instances.  For instance when you marry.   I used to say when I was single I was living one life.  One ...   more »

In my short life which I've learned is oh so fleeting, there is a short list of lessons with profound importance.  One of those life lessons is the importance of friendship.  Friendship is far more than a state of mind.   Actions are what make a friend.  While there are many virtues in friendship, friendship itself is the greatest virtue that comes with a great debt which can turn a life around. A genuine friendship paves the path to destiny.

The debt of friendship is as complex as it is intangible.  A friendship gone wrong can cost you your life.  I've read that people draw distinctions in friendships, there are friends and then there are close friends.  Close friends are the ones you tell  your secrets to.  Sharing secrets come the risk of betrayal.  You have to ask yourself, is a friend worth risking your secrets over?  I personally know of a person that has no true close friends, not even a lover they can truly call a friend. I often wonder if they know of the this great proverb by Confucius: "Silence is the true friend that never betrays."  For the longest time they would say to me, "Your mouth is your enemy".  It seems now that point is understood in more ways than one. They live this life where their secrets are locked deep inside their own self.  I've often admired such a cold heart.  But paradoxically, 

When my first son was born I had to fight for custody of him.  I was put through some of the most painful emotional stress a person could stand.  The emotional pain was immense.  I taught me something.  It showed me something that most parents never understand, and take for granted...

Every parent should fight for their child and they would appreciate them more.   As a parent you come to learn that every moment, the small ones especially have meaning.  They have profound meaning. Some of us may remember a profound line voiced by Keanu Reaves in movie Parenthood:

"They make you take a test for a driver's licence, but any butt-reaming asshole can be a father."

As a father that had to fight to be a father... the sentiment of the line above sticks with me.  Anyone can be a parent, but how many of us deserve our children?

When my boys brush their teeth and stand next to each other, I sometimes step outside myself and smile.  Call me silly but I've even take photos of these simple moments as one day they will be grown men.  I will have these memories.  And I wouldn't have these memories if I didn't appreciate these times we have together. 

It's not enough to love your kids because they are yours.  Appreciate them and the love will be greater.  Appreciate them and you will know the true sense of family and your family will become closer.   My boys and I are amazingly close.  In the past year we've become closer than I could imagine.  My youngest son wants to protect me with a vengeance.  My oldest son often remarks and laughs about something his younger brother has done, similar to the way I feel.  You grin and smile and you cherish the ...   more »