I spent a lifetime trying to please my dad.

In 1968, I turned into my high school bathroom, not noticing two people following me. They stopped me and demanded my money. I immediately started fighting them. (Yes, I threw the first punch.)

A teacher rushed into the bathroom and broke up the fight. He took us to the principal’s office.

There were only two days left of the school year. The principal called my mom, and she called my dad.

My dad came from work. In front of him, the principal told me, “If you want to fight so bad, join the Army!”

They would not let me explain what had happened.

My dad called me names and told me I would never amount to anything. When we got to the car, I asked him to take me to the recruiter. He said it would be nice to get rid of me. My dad signed the papers at the recruiter because I was only seventeen.

It took me many years to realize that seeking God, rather than seeking approval from any human, was the most satisfying part of my life. Now I know that Psalm 63:1 is so very real. I thirst for God in a land of turmoil. He is the only one I want to please; the only one who satisfies.