Photo by Emily
We make choices every day; some very positive, some perhaps we live to regret. I will share a few.
There is a tradition in the Michigan House of Representatives that when term limits kick in, the retiring member has the opportunity to publicly reflect on his time in the legislature. My time came in December, 2004.
As I thought about what I would include in my comments, I thought first about the new friends I had come to know during my six years in Lansing. These were people from both sides of the political aisle who I had the privilege of working with on various public policy issues. I learned from them and hopefully they had gained insight from my life’s experiences.
I thought about the choices I had made on votes that truly affected the lives of people I represented in St. Clair County. These crucial votes ranged from how hard-earned taxpayer dollars were spent to protecting the lives of vulnerable children to attempts to make Michigan a business-friendly state that would encourage job providers to set up shop in our great state.
Then I reflected on personal choices I made in my lifetime that shaped who I am and what makes me tick.
The first far-reaching choice that has always had a profound effect on who I am was my decision to commit my life to Christ. I made this decision during my elementary school days as I was growing up on our family farm in Lapeer County’s Burnside Township. Even though I was quite young I knew this life-changing decision was real and personal. As I moved through my high school years, my college experiences, my professional teaching career and my years of public service, I attempted with God’s Grace to apply Biblical principles to every aspect of my daily life.
Yes, I made mistakes along the way. There were some better choices I could have made. But at the end of the day, the lessons I learned from my Godly parents and from various spiritual mentors along the way have shaped me into what I am today.
Another choice I shared with my fellow legislators in 2004 was my wise decision to marry my high school sweetheart, Carol. The daughter of a loving pastor and his wife, Carol has been my faithful and loving partner for many years. We have shared joys, challenges, and a yes, a few frustrations. Whenever I faced major decisions I could always count on her wise counsel and patient understanding to help me make the right choices. In addition, she has always been a loving and understanding mother and nana to our two children and four grandchildren. I’m truly blessed.
The family structure that I’ve had the privilege to enjoy is one of the richest blessings that anyone could ever experience. I was blessed to enjoy that as a kid growing up on a farm and as a Dad and husband during my adult years.
Unfortunately, the family structure is under attack. Family values seem to be crumbling all around us. Pressures from media, the struggle to provide enough income to survive, the desire to have the latest gadgets and toys have all had a negative impact on family life.
The family unit is the strongest building block in our society. It is incumbent on every Mom and Dad to make their family strong, to work and play together in a harmonious way, to communicate with and encourage each other with love and understanding.
Yes, life is full of choices. Let’s choose to build strong families to help build a better America!
