John Swanagon's Blog

Most people go through life living day-to-day; they don’t think about the future nor do they don’t think about the contributions they could make to the world around them unless those contributions are selfish in nature. Not so with me. I have known since I was a boy that God sent me here for a reason. That reason, though somewhat vague, has been the driving force in my life. It has guided my choices and is why I have consistently done things differently than my peers. Of course, that is not to say I haven’t made my share of mistakes; but so is the way of life, right?

The last two years have been exceedingly difficult. Yet, despite the challenges, the bond with those that I love and my connection with God has never been stronger. I have been blessed with continued employment through this brutal depression, improved my health, built up financial security, and continued to have a great place to call home. And, as if that is not enough, God sends me someone to help me complete my life’s mission. God’s choice could not have overwhelmed or impacted me more, in a great way but also at a cost that deeply bothers me. Above all, however, words cannot adequately describe the gratitude I have.

Given all that I have been blessed with, I have to do more. It is a debt I owe to God. Besides, it is just not in my nature to receive without giving back. So, this year, my Christmas wish is to make the difference I was sent here to make. Although I have made some progress, I know it isn’t enough. I feel it isn’t enough. The only assurance I have is that those that God sent to guide and protect me say I’m headed in the right direction. I know they are right; I just wish I could get there a little faster.