My brother wanted to talk with me today. We don’t often get the chance to talk. He doesn’t do email and when he wants to call, I’m usually working. So this vacation time means communication between us is at a premium.

For some reason, we began with the “How am I doing?” option. I didn’t take long to answer. I start with the church. And picked out several quotes. Of one detractor. And even as I’m saying it to my brother, I’m wondering what in the world it means when one negative voice trumps a couple dozen positive voices. Several dozen voices. Any voice that confirms God’s leading.

How am I doing? Really. Seems a shame to give one deluded person the right to define the answer to that question. I need a better story. A more representative story. A more truthful story.

And the truth is, I’ve never been better. I love my wife, and am confident in her love for me. The church I have given a quarter of my life to serve is a community worthy of my life. The whole of my life. I have children who are not only the crown of my life; they are my friends. And my life partner has become so integral to the person I have become that I cannot imagine life without Vicki Lynn.

What more does a man have a right to ask for? I’m wonderful. Never been better. Ready for action. In fighting trim. Not asking for trouble, but not shying away from a fight either. God knows I’m ready.

This is what I wanted to say to my brother. I’m bruised and battered, but good. Still good. I have fallen off the high wire and survived. So now I can dare to dance on the wire. Without fear.

I’m good.