Wednesday, August 07, 2013

Joy in the Journey


“My best is yet to come.” That phrase originated during a run as part of a process that resulted in me losing over 145 pounds to get healthy. At the time it meant that I would no longer rely on memories of the good old days, when I played a little football, to be the crowning athletic achievement in my life. Later, those words started the essay I wrote during my law school admittance process. When I wrote those words I wanted to emphasis to those who would be reading my essay that I planned to do better in law school and my career than I had previously. It was not that my life was not full and exciting enough at the time. I just wanted them to know that no matter how great the past was, I was ready to make the future better.

            I lost all that weight in 2006, almost 7 years ago. Over the last 7 years I have continued to be blessed by a beautiful wife and two awesome children. I have had great friends and church homes. I have been able to complete law school and currently have the privilege to practice with wonderful people at the largest firm in Arkansas while helping to open our offices in Jonesboro.

            Unfortunately, I have gained much of that weight back. However, I still believe my best is yet to come. I started the same program here in Jonesboro that helped me lose the weight the first time yesterday. I have a long way to go, about 130 pounds to lose but it is a matter of health. I am not getting any younger and I am certainly not getting any healthier at this stage of my life by doing the things I am currently doing. I get healthy for my family, to be around long enough to practice law to have made it worth it to go back to school at 32 and to engage in the activities that we enjoy like swimming and hiking and bicycling. I can’t sit around and tell stories about running the Music City Half Marathon, or the Chicago Marathon or the triathlons I competed in years ago. To get healthy again, my best must be yet to come.

No comments: