Estimated reading time: 10 minute(s)
A lot can happen in two decades.1
When I posted my first “blog” 20 years ago this date, I was a musician, writing, recording, and performing my songs anywhere and everywhere across the country. I was a young, recently-married father of two (with one on the way) who preferred air-conditioned, indoor life. A cup of tea, a good book, and a dimly lit, quiet nook to enjoy them both. (Note: that last part has not changed much.)
Now I am a farmer. And a grandpa. And a “Fixer-Man”, so dubbed by my granddaughter2. And, I’ve already celebrated my 25th wedding anniversary.
My family has expanded. I have two daughters-in-law. And I even have an extra daughter (a friend of my daughters who has as good as been adopted as our fourth daughter).
My oldest sons have full-time jobs, one in a different state. My daughters have jobs, caring for animals and children. Two of them ride horses for fun, and also serve ice cream for pay. My youngest son is playing organized hockey and soccer, and loves to join in any unorganized sporting activity as well.
I’m still not a “car guy” after these two decades, but I now have several vehicles registered to my name, because we have many drivers. Four teens living in this house!
I am blessed.
The crazy thing is, through all of the changes, God has not changed. Really. Not at all. (I know, that’s not really a shock, but when you think about how much else changes, it still should be somewhat surprising.) I have certainly learned more about him, and from him. And I’m certain that I relate to him differently. But that change is in me. Not him.
I do still like board games.
One thing I was right about twenty years ago: spending time with family and friends is the best way we can spend our time.
With the passing of time comes the passing of family and friends. I’ve lost my grandparents, a cousin and an uncle (within a short time of each other), and my father-in-law. Several good friends are also now in their eternal home with Jesus.
I’ve lost hair, teeth, speed, endurance.
And I am blessed.
Twenty years from now, what will life look like? I could take a guess. But I’d probably be wrong.
There are No Guarantees in this world.
But one thing I do know: Jesus will be the same.
No matter what we have or don’t have, what we’ve done or not done… Jesus is the same (greatness) yesterday, today, and forever.3
…for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. 12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.13 For I can do everything through Christ,[d] who gives me strength.4
The seasons of life are so interesting. There was a time when I made time to create. Notably, in those seasons, we had less money to spend on things; I guess that could be why I had “more time” (though all of us always have the same amount of time, we all get to choose how we spend it). I do still very much enjoy writing, and there’s music bubbling up inside me, trying to get out from time to time…
So we’ll see what the next twenty brings. I’m sure it will be interesting.
And I know I’ll be blessed.
- One thing for sure here is that one can not encapsulate twenty years of life into a 650-word blog post! I know far more things I’ve left out of this post than I’ve included. Perhaps they are the seeds for future writing here? We shall see! ↩
- Ironic, in that I have a post titled “Home Handy Repairman Jack” explaining my ineptitude in that arena. Things really have changed! ↩
- 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8 ↩
- Philippians 4:11b-13 ↩
I enjoy your writings Greg. Love, love your family!
Thanks, Aunt Sara! My family is your family, in a way. 🙂 Love you all, too!
I enjoyed your blog 20 years ago, when Blogger was a thing. I have peeked back in a couple times over the years and am happy to see an update from you today. I too now have grown children and am a grandparent of 3 under the age of 5. This world is not the same one we grew up in and raising our families in it can be daunting and even scary. We are blessed to know that in it all, God is faithful and He has not changed. Continue to live blessed and I will read when you feel led to post.
Thanks for saying hello, Alisa. Blogger is still a thing, believe it or not! Funny what a great example technology is of how much things change. And yes, even as the world has become crazier than we’ve ever known it to be, we become even more sure that God is faithful, merciful, patient, loving, just, a shelter, our refuge, our strength. His love never fails, even when we and all else will.
Such a joy to watch your children grow older and wiser in the Lord. It is with His strength that we can continue to grow closer to Him and become more of an example or reflection of His love. I am blessed to be able to read Greg’s blog and ponder what will God reveal to us over the next years we have together here on this Earth. Looking forward to the New Earth and New Heaven on Earth celebrating and exploring Eternity with Christ and family!
Hey Dad! I am reading some more of that book today (Randy Alcorn’s “Heaven”) and thinking those same things. Twenty years? That’s nothing! We’ve no less days to sing his praise, than when we’d first begun.
Thanks for sharing. We are so blessed to call the Campbells friends
And we feel the same about your family, Jaime. You guys have been part of all of those twenty years (and more!) at many points along the way. Looking forward to the next twenty!