I started several blog posts towards the end of the year and I’m still trying to wrap them all up so I can launch into 2009 strong.

As I write this I’m very mindful that as some reflect on 2008 it was full of disappointment, pain, and loss. We’ve had years, several in fact over the last 7-8 years, in which we’ve been in that place. If that’s you, my heart goes out to you as you persevere in hope.

This is one of the first year’s where I’ve even taken a time to reflect throughout an entire year. Here are some of my big memories – not all are positive as you’ll see, but many are:

• Transitioning to the Epic Movement on 1/1/08. This has been such a refreshing year and I’ve loved the sense of trust and freedom and integrity in the people I’ve been able to serve with this year. This is high on the list of what I’m thankful for. A huge part of why I’ve loved 2008!
• Being in infant-parenting mode with Colin who came into 2008 at 2 months old
• My little sister got married to a pretty ok guy
• I went to the Southeastern University National Leadership Forum in March with my dad. What a fun trip! It was a great conference – I loved hearing Ken Blanchard, Patrick Lencioni, Colin Powell, Jeb Bush, Erwin McManus, Marcus Buckingham, Craig Groeschel among others in person over the general theme of servant leadership. Well worth the trip to Florida for it
• Christine and I both celebrated 10 years on staff with Campus Crusade for Christ.
• Became a teammate for the first time with both of my parents
• Assumed the position of Associate National Director of Human Resources and Leadership Development – the result of which was now leading a team with both of my parents on it
• Launched Kingdomlearning.org and designed our first training course on movement launching – doing this all with my new teammate, my dad. For sure this was a huge highlight for me in 2008
• Going to my first Padres – Cubs game with my dad at Petco in June. I got to see Greg Maddux in person in his final year prior to retirement as he dominated the/my Cubs. Also caught a couple Dodger-Cub games. Cubs lost the first of those, but the second was awesome as I got to see Kerry Wood dominate the 9th in one of those innings which was huge for me – made all the more important when the Cubs let him go after the season. Still hurting from that.
• Hell’s Bells – This gets it’s own line. While I was bummed the Cubs lost to the Padres I got to see Trevor Hoffman, all-time MLB saves leader and another future Hall of Famer, come in to close out the 9th. The Padres put on a huge production playing Hell’s Bells and there was some fog rolling in. It was a sight to behold and I will say it was worth the Cubs losing that night for me to be able to experience that. This was made all the more cooler when the Padres sent him packing after the season. No more Hell’s Bells at Petco.
• SD Zoo with the fam. The Panda and Koala’s were the highlights for Morgan (& myself)
• A family vacation in the central coast that was one of the best vacations I’ve ever experienced. It included a family yoga session, top chef competition, nature walks, bowling, and a return trip to the sight where Christine and I had dinner on our first date back in ’99 – Del’s in Shell Beach.
• I participated in the “Blogference” put on as an experiment by a good friend of mine. It wore me out, but pushed me to think through some things and articulate them. Enjoyed it.
• Read two of the most profound and thought-provoking books I’ve read in a long time – In Over Our Heads by Robert Kegan and A Failure of Nerve by Edwin Friedman. Both have influenced my thoughts and leadership philosophy in no small measure.
• I started a book club with a few friends. It’s been great to have an outlet to provide a little motivation and accountability to read some things I wouldn’t otherwise read.
• Morgan started pre-school!
• Colin turned one and started walking and went from baby to little person.
• Christine and I celebrated our 7th anniversary!
• My Cubs flamed out in the playoffs ruining all the 100 year hype, sending me into a sports-related depression for a couple weeks. Don’t judge You’re not in my shoes.
• A big event was the passing of my grandma Delma and our collective trip to her memorial service in Shannon, IL as a whole family. This was very much a sad time, but one of the more meaningful times I’ve had with my immediate and extended family. It was wonderful reconnecting with some cousins and aunts and uncles I had not seen in over a decade. We all miss Delma, but it was a great family time to be together for.
• I turned 34.
• Christine and I started a small group together at our church.
• While it may not look like it – I actually lost 10 lbs Maybe I can double that in ’09…
• I made it through 3 quarters of Greek – only one more!

There’s so many more moments, but those are the ones that come immediately to mind. Thanks for being part of my 2008 – even if it’s just through participating with this blog via reading and/or commenting