Time Gone By

I have so many fond memories of my childhood. I look back on it and think of all of the people/things in my life that have helped shape me into who I am. I feel truly blessed.

There was always love and affection in our home. My mom and dad never let a day go by without telling Timmy and I that they loved us and giving us a hug. They forced us many mornings to get up and go to church (Sunday School as well), and strongly encouraged us to go to youth functions, even when we didn't feel like it. I learned the importance of church and having a close youth group because of that, unfortunately, I see that persistance from parents missing so much today. They truly knew what was best for me, and they have truly helped shape me into who I am today, and for that I am truly grateful, and hope to be as good a parent to my own children.

I grew up around baseball from the time I was able to pick up a ball and still try to play a little even now. It was my passion growing up and not a summer went by that I wasn't on the diamond participating in city league baseball with my friends. I have so many great memories from those summers, and it taught me that you don't always win. It also shaped me into a very competitive person, which I still am today, no matter what sport/game it is.

In the 80's West Point was the capital of high school football in Mississippi, playing in the State Championship game 5 times from 82-89, and winning 4 of them, including 3 in a row from 87-89. From 87-89 we were at almost every game cheering on the Green Wave, Timmy and I playing on the hill beside the stands, throwing cups, playing a game of our own, or chasing girls with my friends. It sparked my love for football which still exists today, especially with the resurgence of WP's football program in the last few years. On Saturdays we would(and still do) cheer on the Ole Miss Rebels. I was definitely molded into a true Rebel fan (Thanks Dad)

I was also blessed with an extended family, known as the Old Aberdeen Road Church of Christ (OAR, if you will). What a wonderful group of people, who, along with my parents, definitely helped shape my life and teach me many lessons as I grew up. I had so many close friends, young and old, growing up there. They definitely taught me what it meant to be a part of the body of Christ, how important each member is, and to love one another in a genuine Christ-like way.

I like to look back on my life from time to time, and thank God for the blessings he gave me growing up, that many were not as lucky to have. I still smell the smells of my childhood, those Friday nights in the Fall, the Weeknight baseball games at Spanky Bruce Field, the long halls of the school building. It takes me back to a time of growing, molding into a different person, hopefully a better person.

I am who I am because God molded me through the circumstances in my life, the paths he put in front of me, allowing me to choose for myself which one to take. Although I didn't always take the right one, eventually he helped me to get back to the right one, using my parents, my church family, my friends, and so many others to help guide me and walk along with me.

Don't ever forget where you came from, because remembering will help you get where you need to go.