Cedarville Magazine, Spring 2018

hanging out with friends. As an extrovert, a pastor’s home was a perfect fit for me. Now at age 44, it’s even clearer to me. Watching my kids with my parents, and my wife with my parents — this is my family. This is who we are. My dad is my biggest hero. He’s the one who taught me, “Any job worth doing is worth overdoing.” I saw that in my papaw and my uncles. I see that tenacity in the way I approach my job at Cedarville. Looking back now, I can see there was no mistake. The times of self-doubt occurred because other people were curious. I had a special relationship with my granny and papaw. As I mentioned before, I was delivered to them while my parents were in Florida. We always used to joke that Granny saw me first, so I was more hers than Mom’s. I remember one time at a family reunion for Dad’s side of the family, one of my great- aunts had put together a family tree and people were looking at it. Next to my sister and me, she had written “adopted.” Granny hated that. She would say, “They’re my kids!” She talked to her sister and had those words removed. My granny lived till she was 93, and we always had a special relationship. TIME MAKERS As a family, we would take a vacation every year, which were incredible, intentional times. One of my favorite vacations was our trip to Disney World. This trip ignited a respect that I have for Disney and their approach to business and how they equip and empower their cast members. It was during this trip that I remember my dad telling me that life requires the proper perspective and must be fueled by integrity and passion. My dad did a lot of visitations (going to people’s homes), but he always made time for our family. My brother and sister and I were involved in sports and fine arts: soccer, basketball, band, school plays. Mom and Dad were at our games and plays. They’d be there for opening night. They took an interest in each of our individual lives and made a point to have the family actively involved in each other’s lives. PERSONAL EXAMPLE When you’re a pastor’s kid, you hear your dad preaching, but it’s different when you see it, when he’s not in front of anyone else. He made time to spend with his Savior. A relationship with Christ takes time; it takes commitment. It’s not a feeling. In the morning, after I finished my newspaper route, I’d walk into the kitchen, and there he was with his Bible. It’s who he was, and it’s still who he is. Or I’d catch him on vacations, very early in the morning, studying the Word. I saw the consistency of his walk. My parents demonstrated that it is vital to not let the urgent things of life crowd out the important. My parents’ commitment to God and His Word was their highest priority and to this day, they demonstrate that to me and my family. Both of my parents have a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence. In my life, I have always been challenged to do things with excellence, no matter if the job is big or small. This was made clear to me one summer when my dad decided it was time to build a treehouse. This was not a normal treehouse; this treehouse had walls, a roof, and real working windows. When we were building it, I watched my dad take time to make sure everything was measured and fit properly. I can still remember this treehouse build; it inspired a commitment to excellence and work in my career and personal life. SOMETHING BIGGER Adoption to me is something bigger than acceptance and love. Adoption is a true picture of the Gospel. When my parents chose to adopt me, they took all of me and gave all of themselves to me. God has provided a way for us to be adopted into His family. We do not deserve this, neither can it be earned. This adoption opportunity is granted to us by the grace and mercy of God. He adopts us, forgives us, provides for us, and offers us the opportunity to be a part of His eternal family. Earthly adoption is a picture of this. Being adopted has helped me appreciate in a different way the beauty of salvation and God’s adoption story. I’m so glad I’m adopted, by my earthly parents, and by my Father in heaven. Brian Burns ’95 is Cedarville University’s Director of Campus Experience. Adoption to me is something bigger than acceptance and love. Adoption is a true picture of the Gospel. 14 | Cedarville Magazine