The Eighties
As I first thought about the eighties, the words empty and naive came to mind. But maybe those aren't fair. Not so much the eighties, but high school and college (1980-1989) were to bring me the fullness of life. They didn't. The eighties left me a few unexpected connections (Tom and Lance, probably a few others). They left me some distinct direction (to follow God whereever he might lead), though I had no idea of the depth at the time.

When I first thought through the eighties, I thought of all of the relationships that didn't work out like I thought they would. Some were girls. Others just friends who I thought would be life friends and weren't. Makes you wonder when you mistake the depth of relationships. I was left a little leary, wondering if anybody could commit to me.

But this is the wrong way to go. Life is more about clues for a journey, landmarks, rather than arrival. The eighties taught me much more through mistakes than it did through successes.

Maybe the eighties can best be summed in the U2 lyrics "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" (1987).

I have climbed highest mountain
I have run through the fields
Only to be with you
Only to be with you

I have run
I have crawled
I have scaled these city walls
These city walls
Only to be with you

But I still haven't found what I'm looking for
But I still haven't found what I'm looking for

I have kissed honey lips
Felt the healing in her fingertips
It burned like fire
This burning desire

I have spoke with the tongue of angels
I have held the hand of a devil
It was warm in the night
I was cold as a stone

But I still haven't found what I'm looking for
But I still haven't found what I'm looking for

I believe in the kingdom come
Then all the colors will bleed into one
Bleed into one
Well yes I'm still running

You broke the bonds and you
Loosed the chains
Carried the cross
Of my shame
Of my shame
You know I believed it

But I still haven't found what I'm looking for
But I still haven't found what I'm looking for
But I still haven't found what I'm looking for
But I still haven't found what I'm looking for...

I still haven't found what I'm looking for. But I'm pretty sure I'm headed in the right direction, and I've learned to enjoy traveling instead of wondering if the next town will be home.