I was born the proud first son of Matthew Brown and Brooksie Landes Edquist. Being the first son I am the inheritor of the of the family business which doesn’t really exist, and also as my Dad so fondly points out the rightful inheritor of the Edquist debt…of which I am sure there is millions. But it will probably be easily paid off with the trust fund my parents are going to surprise me with any day now.
I grew up in Lake Jackson, TX probably better known as “The City of Enchantment” or as the town, that has a high school that once made national news with its 74 cheerleaders on the varsity squad (we had a bit of a scandal).
I realized today that I can remember everyone of my teachers I had in K-12, and can probably even tell you where I sat in each of those classes. I’m sure this information will serve me well in life.
I had my first girlfriend in 5th grade, and at the time I would have sworn that she was the love of my life. I would do anything to one day marry her, and as a 5th grader, the oldest grade at Polk Elementary mind you, I was ready to make this adult decision. Needless to say things didn’t pan out. However she is still a friend, we were very mature about the break-up.
I wouldn’t say I’m a whole lot closer to being married today, but who knows what life has around the corner. I can honestly say that despite any revelation I have had about who I am, and where my identity lie, I still becoming a bumbling idiot in front a girl I have a crush on. It seems I either talk to much or not at all. Neither seem to be working for me too well. How God will help me get past this heaven only knows.
I can honestly say that it has been in the last 18 months that I have really earnestly began to want a family of my own one day. I really didn’t know where I stood before that. I always assumed I would get married, but never took the time to reflect on why.
Anyways, I graduated from the greatest university in the world only 9 months ago. I loved college and learned more than could ever be taught in a classroom. My faith became my own, and really my life became my own. I decided want I wanted to be when I grow up about 17 times, but seem to have found an answer that I am excited about. I will start law school in August, exactly one year and 10 days after I graduated from my undergrad.
During the last 9 months I have been on a mission trip called the world race (but you probably know that if you are reading this.) This year I have experienced incredible growth. A lot that I feel I am seeing for the first time in the past few weeks, and a lot that I don’t honestly think I’ll see until I get home. I have grown to know my identity in the Lord in new ways, began to trust him in new ways, but have also grown to see how little I still actually know. I suppose that is one of the most ironic things about knowledge is that the more you know the more you realize you don’t know. Questions seem to lead only to more and bigger questions…..proof that God has a sense of humor in my book.
I read a book recently that had a quote that I can say I have literally been asking myself everyday for the past month, and it is this, “How different would a wo/man’s life be if s/he truly believed they were loved by the God of the Universe.” This question has haunted me for the past month and half and it is something I think God will continue to drive in me.
Probably the greatest thing about my life though, aside from being a Christian and all it entails (a relationship with Christ namely), is my friends and family. I have met and continue to meet people who are rocking my life in big ways. My parents, God bless them, have raised three children and despite our best efforts, all 3 of us seem to have turned out fairly sane. How they pulled off such a feat I may never know. However they have been a blessing in my life for 23 years and I continue to learn from them: what it means to have patience and understanding, what it means to love unconditionally, and even what it means to be happy and enjoy life. I have cried, laughed, and simply sat with them and they are literally a God send.
My siblings are two of the more incredible people I know. I have looked up to my sister for as long as I can remember, but it is nice to now be taller than her. She has done some incredible things in her life and I am so proud of her. She is currently working for a medical missions group where I truly believe she is making a difference in people’s lives. Not too mentions she was the one who went on this things called the world race first. My brother is a joy in my life and it has been very hard to not be around for his freshman year in college. I do not pretend to always have been the best big brother, but I love him so, and am continually impressed and amazed by him.
My friends are wide and range in personality. But I tell you I am blessed richly and deeply by each of them. My friends have seen me through so many seasons of my life, I couldn’t begin to thank them for all they have done if I were to do nothing but with the rest of my year. I am humbled and honored to have met and grown to know each of them, including those who have traveled with me this year.
I am 23 years old today but feel I have been blessed equal to most 96 year olds. May God continue to humble me and use me. May I continue to seek him and his plans for me even at the expense of my comfort and my plans and my convenience – I think this is the lesson I am learning now.
If you did actually read this all the way through I am slightly impressed and thank you. Please know that the God I worship created you and loves you just as much as myself. He is our good father in heaven. May He bless you in all that you do.
