Jimbo's Jots

As I write this, today is the day I celebrate 56 years of living on this earth. Thinking about that has me pondering about my life and it connected me to this verse:

“Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.” (James 1:23-24)

I’m the youngest of 8 children – 6 girls, 2 boys – born to Bob and Patsy Calkin. We grew up in Central Illinois in a house dad was constantly working on. I can still name most of my teachers from elementary school, Lincoln Elementary (we were the Railsplitters!). I remember moments in junior high school (Central Junior High – we were the Wildcats!) and high school (East Peoria Community High School, Class of 83. We were the Red Raiders!), both good and bad.

When I graduated from high school, I moved to Michigan Christian College, (now Rochester University). While a college student for 4 years, I went through 3 choral directors, 4 academic advisors, and 5 roommates. I was a member of the Acappella Chorus, cheered on championship basketball teams, and played intramural sports.

I met a girl in college. Asked her out once and we went on a date. Then, didn’t go on another date with her until almost a year later. That’s a long story if you want to hear it sometime. However, the second round of dating took. We got married and started a family. Now three daughters, a son-in-law, and two grandkids (girl and a boy), our family is still enjoying life.

I’m an eternal optimist, much like Nurse Nellie in South Pacific. I try to look at the positives in life as I live each day to the best of my abilities.

As you have read through my brief life history, you will notice that I did not focus on negatives. Was it hard to grow up in a family where there were so many in our family? There were times when it was hard and we had our moments when it was difficult? I even thought briefly about the bad moments in junior high and high school. But nobody else probably does.

This is going to surprise most of you, but I was rather loud and kind of a goofball in college. I know! SHOCKING! One of the reasons why that girl that I asked out decided that one date was good that first time around.

Why do I tell you all of this? One: because, like you have heard before, our past is part of what shapes us. But I don’t have to live or stay in my past. God has given me 56 years of life so far. And I love the life I have been given. But two: I want to live a life that continues to hopefully benefit people. I don’t want to just hear about life but I want to do things that help and guide and give others hope! I think that’s what has always given me life.

So celebrate 56 years with me! Be blessed and be a blessing to others by giving hope and life to them!