I lost my point somewhere in there. I tried about 3 times to retype it, but it never came out right.

Your writings say much about you, and the more I read your blog, the more impressed I become. Your son has a good example in you.

Regarding the quote “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God”, there is a good bit of debate on its meaning, as can be witnessed even by some of the information on Wikipedia (not an authoritative source by any means, but interesting how it sometimes brings together various viewpoints). In fact, Wikipedia mentions one of the stories I’d heard under ‘Alternate Interpretation 1′.

I’m not quite sure I’d say “Jesus likes you poor” :-), but at the same time I don’t subscribe to some folks’ modern interpretation of Christianity where they say Jesus wants you to be rich either (that’s a bit much). But even in its literal interpretation, “not rich” ^= “poor”. I am by no means rich… at least not in material possessions. (As my father always says, I am rich beyond words in what matters: family, friends, and my health. ) But I am also not poor. I have a job, a roof over my head (ok, I rent, but still), food on the table, clothes on my back, and I want for nothing that matters (except maybe a teleportation device so my wife can visit her family more often ).

The expression, though, no matter which of the many interpretations one chooses to believe, still basically comes down to exactly what you wrote. We are meant to do more than just satisfy our own appetites. We’re wired that way. And purpose and contribution are far more rewarding than material wants. This always makes me think of how so many people, once they retire, seem to pass away in short order. Often it is because they no longer feel they have purpose, that they are no longer contributing to society (and living in a society that, at times, can glorify youth and not show respect for its elders as used to be the case doesn’t always make it easier). Those who retire and do live long, abundant lives, find meaning and purpose in their retirement.

Anyway, that’s a long-winded way of saying, “Wow, nice writeup.” And just to say thanks for having this blog. I’ve enjoyed reading it for some time, whether reading posts like this or following the adventure of your building of the ranch (or your hilarious story on how you were cool for 10 minutes ). Your personal stories also struck a nerve, as we are maybe a year apart in age and shared some similar moments in our upbringing (my first computer was a Commodore PET 1000 w/ 8KB RAM, built-in cassette drive, and a chiclet keyboard ), though clearly you have excelled in your field.

As a side note, I was saddened to read (though fully understand) that you would be “Leaving the Classroom”, as I have always wanted to both meet you and take the Cocoa course from you. Unfortunately, that’s more my fault for dragging my feet. I still plan to take that course, and with luck will have the opportunity to possibly at least meet you. (For now, I’m determined to get through your Cocoa book.) Until that time, thanks for sharing part of your life here on this site.

I think this post would start a rather vicious argument with many people out there. Perhaps we don’t all get the same satisfaction from a hard day’s work. Perhaps some people think total satisfaction is possible, while the wiser thinks not.