Home in time for Christmas

I returned home from Iraq just in time for Thanksgiving with the family. Now that Christmas is almost here, I'm reminded again how good it is to be home. The work in Iraq was rewarding -- building hospitals, providing clean water to those that need it -- but there comes a time to return home.

The past few years have given me perspective on terrorism. The British seem to treat the subject of terrorism rather matter-of-factly. Despite several attacks in England over the years, most British recognize that they are more likely to get hit by a bus than be caught in a terrorist attack.

One Englishman told me about an incident at an airport where a man threatened to blow himself up. The passengers in the terminal were seen hitting the man and telling him that if he wanted to blow himself up, he needed go somewhere else and do it. They seemed more concerned about missing their flight than anything else.

To be honest, I question how much safer the world is now that regulations require airport screeners to throw away 4 ounces of shampoo or toothpaste. Are we still looking for terrorists, or are we now hunting toothpaste?

The experiences of the last several years have also given me more perspective on life.

Humility is important. We have to come to grips with the fact that the universe, with one minor exception, is made entirely of others.

Passion is important. All of the successful people I know love what they do. They overcome obstacles because of their drive and their passion for what they are doing.

Prayer is important. My biggest disappointments have come when I was completely sure thatI had things all figured out.

More than anything, the past few years have given me perspective on just being home. I have new appreciation for the snow. For safety. For freedom. And as often as I curse our government, I have a renewed appreciation for it. And a new appreciation for home-cooked food. For comfort. Appreciation for family. For children's laughter. For long conversations with friends who have known you for years.

Merry Christmas to you and your family. I hope that your holidays are warm. And happy. And safe.

It's good to be home.