I haven’t taken the transition into my thirties lightly. I bought a leather bag that resembles a briefcase. I transitioned to a wallet that actually looks like a wallet. I wrote fifty-five life resolutions. I spent the 48 hours leading up to my birthday alone in a friend’s condo studying Colossians and occasionally eating. I didn’t really care whether people thought those things were goofy or great, because I didn’t do them for people. I did them because I take my life seriously.
I know I’m not Jesus, but I am me and that means something. My life is a gift and it’s the only one I get. It is valuable. It is unique. It is fragile. It is short. I take it seriously.
I broke my second favorite mug a couple months ago and I was devastated. It contained two images and a verse reference that radically shape who I am, images I drew myself when my mug was mere molded clay. When it broke, I stood still for a good five minutes mourning my loss. Seriously. Last night I drank soda from a red plastic cup. Then I threw the cup away, because it means nothing to me. I can buy 50 more at Costco for $6.91.
You are not a red plastic cup. You are a personalized mug. Your life is a gift and it’s the only one you get. It is valuable. It is unique. It is fragile. It is short. Take it seriously.
…
NOTE: In light of my 30th birthday and in honor of the guys who have all the fun, I’ll be offering thirty reflections in thirty days starting December 19th. The only rule is that I have 250 words to make my point. After that just stop reading. Thanks for making my blog part of your internet experience.
Melissa Pinho said:
It’s crazy to think how every individual life is precious. Every life there was and every life there ever will be. It’s crazy, but I know it’s true. In the eyes of God, we are each beautiful, unique, and SO PRECIOUS in our very own way. What is important to Him should be important to us.
Maybe you and the DGroup can paint DGroup mugs together while they’re all here for the break. I’m sure they’d all like it. Just a thought
Coffee for all! (except for Jeff)
Luis said:
Nice way to start, I want to see a pic of this new wallet. I feel ya on mourning something that is special to you and that shaped you into the person you are today. Love ya man
Michael DeFazio said:
So true, Melissa! And that’s not a bad idea, except we’d force Jeff to drink (or otherwise ingest – ask Neil!) coffee!!
Thanks Luis. Here’s the fold: http://tiny.cc/gb30wallet
Paula said:
Thanks for sharing Michael. Liking this blogpost. Sometimes I do feel like a broken mug, but definitely not a plastic cup.
Trevor said:
Michael –
Having met you while you were still navigating the halls of high school, I’m proud to say that these are not just token words for you. Rather I have seen, and I think many others would agree, that you have, from a young age, considered the weight your life and have responsibly managed the unique gifts God has given you. There has always been a determination in your eye and a focus in your actions. And knowing the role you have in the Kingdom, and how you empower and education others about their place in the Kingdom I say “Thank You” for seriously living. Even more so, thanks for doing so with joy. Happy Birthday. Welcome the the 30s.
Luis said:
Nice wallet I like, I am thinking about also upgrading to a more “manly” wallet
Michael DeFazio said:
Thanks Trevor, that means a ton!!
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Steven Baca said:
Wow Michael I think your friend Trevor said it all. Well stated Trevor!!!
I was just telling my wife the other day the I needed a DeFazio “Fix”. And it’s true I actually need to hear you speak. When God works through you it make me think… makes me have hope…. makes me ashamed and give me the desire to correct, grow and learn….and yes makes me cry sometimes because it’s so so hard for me to be who God wants me to be. Your words put my wheels back on the tracks. Thanks for being you.
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