Full Of Life
Every now and then, it just gets to me. I just have to wonder, “Why? Why me? Why here?” I have a hard time understanding why exactly I get to be where I am, get to do what I do.
I know I’ve said this before, but I think it bears repeating: I am so thankful to be in this spot. Somehow, I am part of this amazing family. And I’m not just talking about the size; it’s the character makeup of the family that is so striking. Sure, it’s cool to have 12 siblings, but that’s not it.
From Mom and Dad, to the older guys, on down to Mary-Elizabeth and the youngest guys, there is just so much character — responsibility, maturity, discretion, integrity, and plain fun. There is so much individuality, so many different personalities, so many talents and hobbies, yet a very common core of principles.
Life gets so busy, but every now and then I just stop and find myself in awe with what is going on around me. The family is a beautifully-run machine, yet nobody is “all business.” People know how to work hard, how to be serious, yet there is such personality and such sharp wit. Everybody is so full of life.
The softball team is something else that amazes me. Here we are, Dad and 10 sons, playing in some extremely-competitive men’s leagues. And we are actually beating some of the best teams around! It’s just amazing. We have an Arndt at every position on the field. Our lineup, all Arndts. An all-family team is a novelty, sure. But to actually have a respectable showing out there? Incredible.
I just couldn’t imagine life without any one of the guys or Wizzy. Everybody brings something so unique to the table. It really is such an awesome blend of personalities, talents, and tendencies.
I always feel like I’m bordering on bragging when talking about all of this. I still can’t completely understand why I am privileged enough to be here. But, I’m not going to argue. Instead, it’s just “Thank You, God. Thank You so much for letting me be part of the team.”
“FamTeam” really is the perfect descriptor for what we do and who we are. We’re a family team, in countless different ways. The obvious, of course, is our softball team. But much more than that, we are a team with virtually everything going on. It’s really a “one-for-all and all-for-one” approach, where everybody is truly in it for the good of the team. So many heroes, so many people who aren’t just in it for their own good, but are genuinely looking out for the other guys. I’m so proud of everybody.
It is so exciting to think about where we are going to be in the future. For example, how is the family going to evolve once we introduce daughters-in-law and grandchildren into the mix?
This is a fun time, and all I can do is thank God for the privilege of being able to be a part of it. There is so much to look forward to, and I cannot think of a better group of people to be on this journey with.
Psalm 37:4
Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.