What success really looks like

When I met him, he was a young teenage boy searching for something. He knew he wanted to be different from what he had seen and experienced in his life so far. His journey has not been an easy one; to say that he has faced adversity in his life would be an understatement. He has walked through the fire of tribulation not once, but many times. Each time, he could have given up. He could have joined the chorus of people who cave to the truth that life is not fair — certainly, life has not been fair for him. He could have quit trying to achieve his goals, and he could have stopped striving for more.

He chose another path.?

I watched this young man struggle, fall, and get back up again. However, regardless of the struggles and hardships life threw at him, he never became a victim of hopelessness.?

I was there when he met and married a girl who shared his vision for excellence and who would not settle for mediocrity. Determined to follow his faith and love his family well, he persevered. He took the rocks that life threw at him and used them to build a foundation of love, hope and faith. He now has a beautiful family with grown children who have seen their Dad and Mom navigate life through the lens of overcoming adversity and welcoming blessings. They have witnessed a legacy of love from their parents.

His name is Chad, and this week he celebrates 25 years of leadership in his church, family, and community. Perseverance, determination, hard work, humility, grace, and love — these are all characteristics that describe Chad. This is what success truly looks like.?

Congratulations Chad, on 25 years of making a difference in the lives of those you love, live with and lead.?

I love you.?

Larry