Three

I heard someone say once that life came down to a series of moments. True, of course, and on the surface, a very broad statement. It makes me think of the song “Seasons of Love,” from RENT. “525,600 minutes…”

But what he was talking about is more along the lines of life being a series of significant moments: moments that have brought about great change in your life, or had a lasting impact.

When I think about that now, I think about three particular moments. There will be more significant moments, of course; life does not stop happening around us, and we never achieve perfection.

So here are my top 3, right now. Not in order of significance…

Exchanging wedding rings with my wife.

I never ever thought that would happen for me. I thought that I’d had my window, and that I had blown it by chasing after people (and circumstances) I had no business chasing. I thought being alone was my payback for my many sins.

But somehow, on May 16th of 2009, I stood at that altar, and made my vow before God. It changed my life. Jenny has been anything and everything I could have asked for or wanted in a wife, and makes me laugh and think about God in wonder every day we have together. I love this woman…

The birth of my son, John.

Something else I didn’t think would happen for me. Jenny already gave me one really awesome son, and I pretty much figured that would be it.

But it wasn’t.

I remember the first time I heard his heart beat–so amazing (I’m way more emotional than my wife, I think). Can’t help it–I’m from Cali, and I’m in touch with my sensitive nature.

And then there’s October 7, 2010.

I got to meet John Ryan Wilkins for the first time. He was covered with the muck and blood of his journey, but he was also so very beautiful. And now he, too, blesses me every day, along with his brother. I love having kids (David said something the other day that made me laugh. He said he was glad he was a boy, because if he was a girl, he’d have to push out a baby. True, that, son).

Meeting Jesus.

Walter’s Camp, 2000.

I can remember everything about that night–sights, smells, music. What it felt like to have a burden lifted.

And I think if it hadn’t been for that night in March, the other two moments wouldn’t have happened at all.

What are your moments?