My dad died 36 years ago this week. About 27 years before that, his dad died. It’s a brutal legacy.

When it happened, I was just shy of 3 years old.

My daughter is 2 years old. She’ll turn 3 on February 8th. Tonight, as I was hanging out with Tami, we realized that since my birthday is February 3rd, today is virtually the same day to Alaree that the day my Dad’s death was to me. The only difference is, I’m not dead.

So, why would I be so morbid as to share this with you?

Because I love you guys.

So much of my life has been redeemed by God transforming my fears into hope… even into love. And there’s a hell of a lot of room for more. I want to live as though today is my last – to live with perspective – to live meaningfully – to live with purpose – to live with commitment. I want to leave a legacy.

And, if you do… if we do… we get to redeem the losses – like when my dad had to go home. We get to say to our kids or loved ones the things that we wish we could hear from those we miss. We even get to remake moments that didn’t turn out the way they were supposed to. At least that’s the story I’m committed to. How about you?

I wonder what our stories could be if more of our fears were transformed into hope… into love…

How will you redeem your losses? Who will help you? Is it time to invite God into the equation if only to get a little help to forgive? Help to dream of a new life? Help to redeem the irredeemable? What legacy will you chose to leave? How do you want to be remembered? I gotta go kiss my daughter.

Today is a good day.
-Dane