I turn thirty-six years old this Friday.  No, I’m not saying that so you will go buy me a gift (except for you, Mom.  You need to get busy!)  I’m saying it because it’s what’s on my mind this week.  For some reason, this birthday has caused a lot of introspection for me.  Last year I hit 35 and didn’t blink.  But this year it’s different.

The good news is I’m not feeling all that old and I don’t really feel bad about turning 36.  I will admit when the treadmill asks for my age, that seems like a very big number to punch in but I’m not depressed about it.  I’m grateful.  At 36 years old, I’m married to an incredible woman.  I have this crazy little son who I love more than I ever thought possible.  I’m leading a team of people planting a church.  Honestly, I realize how blessed I am.

That thought shapes how I want to ask you to pray for us this week.  Each of those blessings causes me to wear a different hat: husband, father and pastor.  There’s some similarities between those roles but they’re definitely distinct.  Could I ask you to pray the Lord would empower me to carry each of them well?

Pray I would be the kind of husband who loves Laura like Christ loves the church (Eph. 5).  Pray I would be the kind of Dad who raises Jack in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Eph. 6).  Pray I would be the kind of pastor who is a good example to the flock (1 Peter 5).

Those are the three requests that mean the most to me and the three things that are closest to my heart this week.  I would love it if you would pray for those requests.