Napkin Thoughts
A public place to record and synthesize ideas I might want to write. Email, text, or comment below if anything piques your interest and I will consider it in choosing future pieces. Thanks for reading and being with me ~Brandon
Why it’s easier to be a good father than a good husband.
Exercise and yoga, much like sex, breaks my spiraling/shut-down cycles.
Silence the other voices. No noise (podcasts, music, audiobooks, phone calls) at the gym, on the toilet, when you cannot sleep. Allow yourself to be bored. It’s scary, yes. The mind will (oftentimes) at first be unmerciful. It has a lot to say. But be courageous. Let it alone so it can reveal what you need to say, hear, and feel.
Perspective from the middle. Not politics. Not religions. From middle age. While at yoga at the YMCA, it is me at 25 others, all of whom are 65 years of age or older. I hear them discussing, cancer, blood pressure, attending funerals, and recovering from surgeries. I feel they are looking at me almost suspiciously. Maybe with a bit of envy? My body does not feel or look like theirs does. Now contrast that with my friend and his wife that constantly speak of staying in the loop with those in their 20s and early 30s. Almost with a longing. Wishing they could be that age again. Minus responsibilities of raising kids. And maybe, dealing with a troubled marriage. Jealousy that their bodies are no longer at the peak physical form like the 20 year olds. In the middle, we can see what we will become and be grateful for our 40 year old bodies and we can avoid jealousy and longing for something that is not possible - perpetual youth.
My rules for conversation and vulnerability are there to protect me. Protect from those I am scared of. Keep me from getting hurt.
Love God. Love his people. If these two ideas remain at the forefront, that will be enough. We will be present. We will be content. We will be at rest and peace. Love God. Love his people. Breathe deeply.
If Mary had not wasted her entire bottle of perfume (a value equivalent to one year’s wage) pouring it on Jesus’ feet, we would not know her. Because of her foolishness, recklessness, and undivided devotion and love of Jesus, she is remembered and known for over 2,000 years. “Nor would other hearts be stimulated to a similar expression of the love that means so much to the Lord.” Spiritual Discipleship, P. 87
Lessons after six real estate projects:
I don’t love real estate.
I needed Brie, my wife. For support, love, trust, her creativity in design, and ability to do the actual rehab work. But I needed her W2 job and income to qualify for financing.
It taught me things are possible.
I learned to figure it out.
Financing possibilities are countless.
4409 is one big pinata.
Today with cash flow. Tomorrow with equity. 12k annually in principal pay-down, before a single percentage of appreciation.
I love real estate. It has given us time: to travel, for regular school ditch days, and income to dream.
