What's in a name...

On a day of excitement, anticipation, a fair amount of boredom, and feelings of awe and anxiety, I'm left with one thought that stands out amongst them all- my name is very boring.

I have much excitement in regards to footballing exploits, previous and impending, anticipation and anxiety, mixed in with a dash of frustration over my imminent shoulder operation.
Anticipating eagerly how well Elizabeth is going to treat me and take care of me in the immediate future.
Having feelings of awe and grandeur about how, despite all the rubbish and battles being thrown in Liz's and my direction, how God could leave such a feeling of calm, assurance and how He would choose to lead me prophetically and stir my heart.

YET, I am distracted by my name. It is brought alive in new capacity via the excitement of starting a new blog- and namely getting a URL for this blog. The sheer commonness of the name Brown has left me with one possible URL: brownphil. Hardly flattering. Hardly a name that will provoke imagery of bronzed skin and sun filled holidays over more commonly associated brown objects. This also sees the pre-chosen name of my first son dashed- River. Parents can be mean, but I am unwilling to take the biscuit here and subject a life of torment... Brown, River.

The mantle my father has carried of the name Brown, the way he has conducted himself, the respect he has commanded, has left it a name spoken with feelings of great memories, close friendships and spiritual maturity- a legacy that will be a momentous feat to live up to. But the feelings remain- there really isn't a lot that can be done with such a name.

Apologies in advance to future generations.