Life: The ordinary miracle

The year 2020 will be in history books forever. Lives have been lost, families have been separated, and we have been wearing masks for the past 11 months and counting. We are living a "new normal". Today Nathan and I would like to publically apologize that it took the world shutting down to create the biggest miracle of our lives. Thank you world for taking one for the team, team Dawes! You see, during this year of crazy two mid single adults who were lonely and bored decided to return to the mutual dating app. Neither had any hope of it going anywhere, but in a moment of something that can only be described as God inpsired, two folks both swiped right. A conversation began and a shy fella and a sassy lady made a connection. That's right, a connection was formed in a pandemic. In the beginning the world was shut down and getting together was not an option. Thankfully technology had us covered. We began with virtual dates. Facebook messenger became our newest date loca

While growing up my parents frequently asked me to take out the trash. It is a simple task, but if you don't do it weird smells can fill the entire kitchen, and at times the entire hours. This can make living everyday life less enjoyable. It may sound strange, but it made me think, couldn't the same be true for clearing the trash out of souls? Dating for me has been more adventurous than I care to admit. Many young men have sadly been more interested in having an object than a relationship. This happened to me again pretty recently. My friend of over a year decided to cross the friend boundary and make things more complicated. Long story short he wanted a physical relationship only when he wanted it and when it suited him best. He wanted me to come when he called and on his terms. He pushed boundaries and ignored the word no. He didn't make me feel too good. In fact, he made me feel like trash. Suddenly someone I trusted and often relied on became someone that I

Thoughts swirling in my head. “you would be better off dead”, “Just quit trying, you are tried” and other precarious versions along the same lines. Darkness surrounding me, sadness from a depth I can’t identify. Anxiety at an all time high. Sleep, I can’t get enough sleep, 10 or 12 hours and still so exhausted. Making plans and committing to anything becomes an overwhelming burden. Being in charge of anyone in any scenario becomes the hardest of all. Others depending on me when I can’t depend on myself. Tears, fountains of tears.   I hear in my head, “Help! You need help!” Jeffery R Holland said, “Among the realities we face as children of God living in a fallen world is that some days are difficult, days when our faith and our fortitude are tested. These challenges may come from a lack in us, a lack in others, or just a lack in life, but whatever the reasons, we find they can rob us of songs we so much want to sing”   Oh how I want to sing the joy filled songs. “Where do I

          Do you ever had days when you feel like you have reached your limit. You can't possibly continue forward because you are spent and too tired to want to try? Yeah I haven't had one of those days since yesterday. After over 6 months of being ill with no answers, it was just another Manic Monday as the song would say.        I was returning to my office after running to the bathroom for the 7th time in not too many hours, and trying to remain positive and focused on work. The thought came to turn on the radio. After a couple of songs the radio spoke to me. "If you're going through Hell, keep on moving.... you might get out before the Devil even knows you're there". I could not stop laughing. God knew how frustrated I had been feeling. While I can't say I often use such a song to find comfort and solace, at that particular moment it was really working for me. Laughter was the medicine I needed to make it through the rest of that work day. Even thoug

You are not always welcome, but you often do come by You have a way of bringing tears to my heart and my eye. You change my way of thinking and give new ways to see That others are the most important thing God gave to me.  At times you leave a question of what the purpose is now and why on earth you get to take them early on somehow.  Though with the sadness and the grief, you leave a gift too. The chance for true reflection, to think through and through.  You help me see the hand of God working from up above.  You help me see the way He shows me of His perfect love. You bless others with their chance to serve and bless my life.  You make me thankful for tender moments amidst the strife.  So while I do not always wish your company day by day I am in fact thankful for the important role you get to play.   Death, could it be possible that you are actually my friend, A gentle reminder that this life is truly n

  It has been an interesting holiday time. One that I will not soon forget, and yet one that if possible I don't really wish to relive. Work weather, and wackiness all aligned to prevent me from going anywhere for the holidays. That's right folks just me my pj's and netflix. Actually, I handled it better than I would have thought because of the amazing gift of technology. (Google hangout and facebook video chat can be real life savers it turns out)   People have come back to my home now, but are off doing their various other tasks, and for whatever reason I just felt like no one was there. I think they call this loneliness. I rushed to my room and knelt down on my knees to find the friend I knew I could rely on. God and I chatted a bit and I told him my predicament. He understood of course.    Suddenly on my phone came up a live stream from youtube. Not exactly the answer I was expecting. I decided to click on the link anyway because you really never know. The Piano Gal