How shall today be celebrated? Let’s plunge into the Deeper Waters and find out.
Normally on Thursdays, I talk about the show for the upcoming week. It’s going to be different just this week. I want to talk about today instead. Today is one of those days where I woke up and I was sure today was going to be a special day.
Today I officially turn 39. It’s quite odd knowing when I was praying with Allie last night that that would be my last night at the age of 38. I wonder where all the time has gone by so often. How did I get from being the kid playing video games upstairs in my bedroom at home to the guy on the adventure of apologetics waking up next to the woman I love? (And okay, the video games part still hasn’t changed.)
None of us really knows what the future holds. I would not have thought that my life would involve this kind of ministry growing up, mainly because I didn’t know this kind of ministry even existed. Now I find myself being the person that is emailed by others with questions and answering them and giving them the encouragement they need. I never would have thought this is what would have happened when I began this journey in college.
I also think back to how just about six months ago I debated Dan Barker. My father-in-law, Mike Licona, and I both find it interesting that our first live in-person debate was with the same person. We are already talking about a future debate some time. This is the path I want to be going down.
Being married is also a surprise. I never thought it would have happened growing up. Next year, we will celebrate ten years together. Marriage has taught me more about self-sacrifice than anything else I have done. It’s also increased in me a greater appreciation for beauty and caused me to make necessary changes in myself.
Chesterton said each one of us is a great might-not-have-been. I’m thankful I was. Consider as a Christian that you are not an accident. You have been eternally in the mind of God. Theologically, God could never stop thinking about me. I’m always on His mind.
Tonight, I’ll be enjoying a party with some friends at a support group Allie and I belong too. My parents gave me the Collection of Mana for the Switch (Rather they got me a card so I could get it, but the same difference). My wife got me Kingdom Hearts: The Story So Far. Mike and Debbie got me an Amazon gift card. All the gifts are just a reminder of meaning something to someone. They all say “We are happy that you exist.”
None of us had to. This universe could have gone on just fine without any of us. None of us are essential, but we’re all invited to be a part of the story. I am thankful that I get included in that story.
Many people have already posted on my wall on Facebook for today. Thanks to all of you who have done that. It really is nice to have so many friends, to know you mean so much to people, and to be able to make a difference. Many of you are also reminding me how much you affirm the virgin birth, which I do affirm. Thanks to all of you who are contributing to make today special.
I look forward to the next year and as many years as God will give me. For now, we will see where the adventure goes from here.
In Christ,
Nick Peters
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