Unpopular opinion: you are not 'ok' just the way you are.
It is all over culture-bumper stickers that read 'born ok the first time', facebook statuses that read 'just me doin' me', and things like that. The culture narrative these days has become 'you are ok just the way you are.' It is a poisonous ideology that pervades our culture and makes room for all sorts of evil. It sounds harmless, and perhaps even good. Somebody just be alright with who they are, and should not seek to change. But that is a relatively new ideology that has major consequences. It is prudent for us to constantly seek to be changing, always for the better. When we make allowances and compromises for things that are seen as evil under the guise of not offending, it distorts what is seen as normal. Even the word 'normal' has come to be seen as almost a negative in our society, when the word 'normal' has traditionally just meant what is good and right. In our society of no 'normals' there are also no 'goods' or right. Perhaps I am not explaining my point well enough. We need not think that everything that a person can be is fine, and we do not. Most people would agree that the 'radical' things like pedophilia and psychopathy are evils which are detrimental to the well being of our society and culture. However, because we have permitted so many other things that used to be seen as sexual perversions and moral ills, we have negated a culture of 'fixing' yourself and weeding out those things within oneself which are negative. Do not get me wrong, I am not advocating for a universal personality, or even necessarily a morality wherein everyone follows exactly the same criteria all of the time (indeed, different situations call for different decisions), however, I am advocating for gravitating back towards a society wherein it is permissible and even healthy to align oneself with what is good and right. I know the next step is asking what is good and right, and I get that and that is a discussion that is utterly worth having. However, not everything that a person can be is good and this idea that one needn't try and ever better oneself is simply erroneous.
I know that this will receive some push-back and perhaps some do not even agree with me that this is a prevailing culture narrative. But when you look closely at the things that our culture longs and tempts you to believe, the idea that you are perfect just the way that you are is in there. And I know I am not perfect; I have so far to go, please let me be clear about that. However, I am open to change. I admit that part of who I am in not perfect and is unacceptable. Granted, there is grace in my failings. But I implore our culture to think likewise, to be utterly at peace with admitting that not everything a person is or can be is good, it's not. Much of what we desire (and what we desire and do plays a major part in us becoming who we are) is not good for ourselves or society and culture. That's ok to say. We need to restrict parts of ourselves; that is ok to say. Most of who we are is self-centered and apathetic towards the suffering going on around us. That is ok to say. What is not ok is to persist in those beliefs and practices when we as a society and a culture could be so much greater than we are. We are meant for great things if only we would admit that we are not good. We have a long way to go. This ideology combined with the previous one that I wrote about has our society headed in dangerous and unprecedented territory. We should stop and seriously consider that social ideologies that we buy into everyday.
You are not ok the way you are. Not everything you want is good. But now that you believe that, seek to be greater.
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Saturday, November 28, 2015
Unpopular Opinion: Desire
Unpopular opinion: What you want is not always good for you.
There is a strange paradox that guides modern western (specifically American culture). In a person's overall life, that person is taught that if he/she wants anything, it should just be taken, at any given time. However, the paradox lies that this is not good advice in nearly any specific area of a person's life. For instance, if I ask for health advice and somebody replies that I should just eat whatever I want whenever, that is quite terrible advice and it will lead to a litany of health problems. Additionally, if somebody asks me for relationship advice, and I reply that that person should just sleep with whomever he/she wants at any time, it probably will not go too well. However, the prevailing attitude of this culture is that if you want something, you should go out and get it. But desires are often adverse to what is good for a person. Discipline may be desired, but the things that cultivate discipline are rarely. Morality as an idea my be desired, but never if it gets in the way of more selfish wants. I heard a stat that 97% of people will exit out of a youtube video if it does not load within the first three seconds. There is a prevailing impatience within this culture, and a vastly negative consequence is that all of the good that having to wait does is undone by everything being at the ready. The internet allows for this in so many differing ways. But this attitude is so detrimental in so many differing ways. So much good in character is gained from the waiting, but ultimately strength in character, integrity, and patience have given way to personal pleasure and the mentality that what a person wants that person has the right to. Nothing could be further from the truth, but unfortunately another prevailing ideology is that there is no such thing as an objective moral reality. What is good for you is good for you and what is wrong for me is wrong for me. The entire satanic bible hinges on one phrase: "Do as thou wilt." Because ultimately, even the being who is seen as more evil than anybody else knows that this mentality does not create men and women of character. I look around and I see pleasure-obsessed people who are intent on doing whatever they want and it has created a society of people killing each other because they do not get their way. The scary thing, even as I type these words, is that most people will not even see this as wrong. They will continue to think that they for some strange reason have a right to whatever they desire, not understanding the long-term adverse affects that such a mentality has on their character. People today generally like ideologies more than realities. For instance, people like the idea of being moral more than actually applying virtue. And this type of mentality is sucking our society dry of morality. It is sucking our society dry of good people and good thinkers. Sure, we still have smart people, but I am talking about people who have the ability to think well because their patience has cultivated it. Realistically, if you look at so many of the tragedies that beset modern western culture, it comes from that one prevailing sentiment, "Do as thou wilt." And what a sentiment it is.
But I do think that just writing about the problem without writing about the solution is not helping anything. People need to be willing to work, and work hard, for that which they do not have but perhaps want, and what is more, it is incredibly vital that people understand that not everything that they want is healthy for them. In fact, I would say that much of what we want is at best, neutral. Very few things that we earnestly desire help the world in some practical or substantial way. Our best option is either to shift what we desire or be willing to lay aside our quest for what we desire in favor of what is right. We need to reassess how entirely vital virtue is, and seek to understand objectively what is right. We cannot think that we can just skate by, doing what we wilt and that everything will turn out right and good. People will be neglected. Rightness and justice will be strewn aside. Rather than doing what we wilt, we need to 'do what is right, regardless of what thou wilt or thou think.' So maybe getting drunk just because one wants is not the best option. Maybe taking the job with the best salary automatically may not be what is best objectively for the world.
It is fine with me if you do not agree. I do not think many people will agree; this is just one man's unpopular opinion.
There is a strange paradox that guides modern western (specifically American culture). In a person's overall life, that person is taught that if he/she wants anything, it should just be taken, at any given time. However, the paradox lies that this is not good advice in nearly any specific area of a person's life. For instance, if I ask for health advice and somebody replies that I should just eat whatever I want whenever, that is quite terrible advice and it will lead to a litany of health problems. Additionally, if somebody asks me for relationship advice, and I reply that that person should just sleep with whomever he/she wants at any time, it probably will not go too well. However, the prevailing attitude of this culture is that if you want something, you should go out and get it. But desires are often adverse to what is good for a person. Discipline may be desired, but the things that cultivate discipline are rarely. Morality as an idea my be desired, but never if it gets in the way of more selfish wants. I heard a stat that 97% of people will exit out of a youtube video if it does not load within the first three seconds. There is a prevailing impatience within this culture, and a vastly negative consequence is that all of the good that having to wait does is undone by everything being at the ready. The internet allows for this in so many differing ways. But this attitude is so detrimental in so many differing ways. So much good in character is gained from the waiting, but ultimately strength in character, integrity, and patience have given way to personal pleasure and the mentality that what a person wants that person has the right to. Nothing could be further from the truth, but unfortunately another prevailing ideology is that there is no such thing as an objective moral reality. What is good for you is good for you and what is wrong for me is wrong for me. The entire satanic bible hinges on one phrase: "Do as thou wilt." Because ultimately, even the being who is seen as more evil than anybody else knows that this mentality does not create men and women of character. I look around and I see pleasure-obsessed people who are intent on doing whatever they want and it has created a society of people killing each other because they do not get their way. The scary thing, even as I type these words, is that most people will not even see this as wrong. They will continue to think that they for some strange reason have a right to whatever they desire, not understanding the long-term adverse affects that such a mentality has on their character. People today generally like ideologies more than realities. For instance, people like the idea of being moral more than actually applying virtue. And this type of mentality is sucking our society dry of morality. It is sucking our society dry of good people and good thinkers. Sure, we still have smart people, but I am talking about people who have the ability to think well because their patience has cultivated it. Realistically, if you look at so many of the tragedies that beset modern western culture, it comes from that one prevailing sentiment, "Do as thou wilt." And what a sentiment it is.
But I do think that just writing about the problem without writing about the solution is not helping anything. People need to be willing to work, and work hard, for that which they do not have but perhaps want, and what is more, it is incredibly vital that people understand that not everything that they want is healthy for them. In fact, I would say that much of what we want is at best, neutral. Very few things that we earnestly desire help the world in some practical or substantial way. Our best option is either to shift what we desire or be willing to lay aside our quest for what we desire in favor of what is right. We need to reassess how entirely vital virtue is, and seek to understand objectively what is right. We cannot think that we can just skate by, doing what we wilt and that everything will turn out right and good. People will be neglected. Rightness and justice will be strewn aside. Rather than doing what we wilt, we need to 'do what is right, regardless of what thou wilt or thou think.' So maybe getting drunk just because one wants is not the best option. Maybe taking the job with the best salary automatically may not be what is best objectively for the world.
It is fine with me if you do not agree. I do not think many people will agree; this is just one man's unpopular opinion.
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
Unpopular Opinion: Tragedy
Unpopular Opinion: 'feeling bad' about a terrible tragedy does nothing to make it better, coding your facebook profile picture with the French Flag does not make anything better. What happened in Paris this past week was nothing short of horrendous, a terrible tragedy that is a black mark on humanity akin to evil. And we should have a visceral, even internally violent reaction to it; that shows our humanity. However, if it sops there, then nothing has changed. Additionally, sending 'good thoughts' to someone, does not really do anything either. I have been thinking about this for years, ever since poor Elliot Rodgers shot up Isla Vista. I saw a community come together in response, but really, what does that do. The claim could be made that any of these responses that I am calling out can create within someone a heart of greater compassion and empathy, or that they could spread awareness of the issue; I am open to these arguments. But that actually does cut to the truth of the matter: the tragedy is internal before it is ever external. Allow me to reiterate before I continue, what happened in Paris is a tragedy, a tragedy that cannot be reversed; unfortunately no tragedy can be reversed. But as a society it is imperative that we fix and repair what it is within us that creates this type of tragedy, and even more, offers little in terms of practical reactions. Look, it's not necessarily a bad thing to have these reactions, but it is not enough. Donating money to relief, praying for France (if you believe that prayer has affect beyond the words), calling your loved ones to make sure that their hearts are not thoroughly grieved, and most of all, removing ourselves from the fantasy worlds in which we too often chose to dwell in order to work on our society. There is much work that needs to be done, evidenced even by the selfish reactions to the tragedy, the 'me-centered' reactions. Our society has lost its code of ethics and its desire to come alongside those who are suffering and sacrifice, suffer ourselves, to make sure that their suffering does not last and that they are treated with light at the end of the tunnel. That is something that affects change. Our all too-often pitiful excuses for feeling bad, sending good-thoughts, or changing our facebook tragedies temporarily does not cut to the heart; their are ineffective.
Let me be clear about one thing: I am a hypocrite. I did and have been praying for France, (and I should be praying for ISIS) but I have not given money, I have not opened the much-needed social dialogue that needs to be opened to talk about what to do. I have not asked France what they need in their time of suffering. But I do want to open the dialogue. I do want to challenge our society to think through where we are at as a culture, a species even, that gun violence, racism, sexual slavery, selfishness, and gross income inequality not only exist but are prevalent. Honestly, we need to take time not only personally and individually, but socially on the micro and macro levels to discuss the changes that need to be made. These changes have to start in our hearts, inwardly. We need to get back to thinking how we can love each other, how we can care about each other. The mindset needs to change from 'what can I get from this person' to 'what can I sacrifice for this person.' We need to change our personal and our collective narratives. The technology in our society allows us to be more connected than ever before with people with whom we never would have had access to before. And it has not seemed to increase compassion and generosity, but rather beat these concepts down and suppressed them. It is a terrible fact of modern culture and life. It is on us. We cannot continue to attribute these tragedies to 'the other' whomever that may be, and play the role of the victim. I am not saying that the guilty party needn't be held responsible, they very much should in ever tragedy, but while we 'feel bad', 'send good thoughts', 'offer our condolences', and change our Facebook pictures, let us also try to love France, let us also examine our own hearts and see who we possess hate towards, let us also change the selfish course of our lives such that we are utterly considerate of the plights of those around us, near and far, and include them in our narratives. Rather than focusing on esoteric 'feelings', let us seek both short-term and long-term change.
Once one group is defeated, another will not cease to step up and take their place unless we begin to think long and hard, and it will be hard make no mistake, honest, critical self-examination always is, at our hearts in order to affect change for good. And then start to put those things into motion. Do not just make it words or feelings, but actions and attitudes of the heart. Sacrifice until it cuts you, give until it hurts you, love until you feel as if you have nothing left to give, and do not dare think of yourself so highly that you can justify hate. I am not saying that I possess all of the actions or that I do not have more work to do than anybody else, I do, but I am interested in actually affecting long-term change so that maybe my kids will not be so acquainted with the inane frequency of heart-wrenching tragedies as I am. We are flying upside down. Let's start to right the ship.
Let me be clear about one thing: I am a hypocrite. I did and have been praying for France, (and I should be praying for ISIS) but I have not given money, I have not opened the much-needed social dialogue that needs to be opened to talk about what to do. I have not asked France what they need in their time of suffering. But I do want to open the dialogue. I do want to challenge our society to think through where we are at as a culture, a species even, that gun violence, racism, sexual slavery, selfishness, and gross income inequality not only exist but are prevalent. Honestly, we need to take time not only personally and individually, but socially on the micro and macro levels to discuss the changes that need to be made. These changes have to start in our hearts, inwardly. We need to get back to thinking how we can love each other, how we can care about each other. The mindset needs to change from 'what can I get from this person' to 'what can I sacrifice for this person.' We need to change our personal and our collective narratives. The technology in our society allows us to be more connected than ever before with people with whom we never would have had access to before. And it has not seemed to increase compassion and generosity, but rather beat these concepts down and suppressed them. It is a terrible fact of modern culture and life. It is on us. We cannot continue to attribute these tragedies to 'the other' whomever that may be, and play the role of the victim. I am not saying that the guilty party needn't be held responsible, they very much should in ever tragedy, but while we 'feel bad', 'send good thoughts', 'offer our condolences', and change our Facebook pictures, let us also try to love France, let us also examine our own hearts and see who we possess hate towards, let us also change the selfish course of our lives such that we are utterly considerate of the plights of those around us, near and far, and include them in our narratives. Rather than focusing on esoteric 'feelings', let us seek both short-term and long-term change.
Once one group is defeated, another will not cease to step up and take their place unless we begin to think long and hard, and it will be hard make no mistake, honest, critical self-examination always is, at our hearts in order to affect change for good. And then start to put those things into motion. Do not just make it words or feelings, but actions and attitudes of the heart. Sacrifice until it cuts you, give until it hurts you, love until you feel as if you have nothing left to give, and do not dare think of yourself so highly that you can justify hate. I am not saying that I possess all of the actions or that I do not have more work to do than anybody else, I do, but I am interested in actually affecting long-term change so that maybe my kids will not be so acquainted with the inane frequency of heart-wrenching tragedies as I am. We are flying upside down. Let's start to right the ship.
Friday, July 10, 2015
People: Alex Markovich
I have been out of college for two years now. A lot of people have impacted me in those two years and I figure that it is high time that I start to tell them how they make me feel. I am focusing primarily on the people that I did not get a chance to thank in college but have left their imprint on me since. I have no target number to compete, but I need to inform people that they have loved. Considering that I have grown less emotional since college, this project does pose its problems; have grace on me please. This post is about a real man, Alex Markovich.
Alex, your role in my life cannot be underscored. I very much respect the man that you are. I have seen so many beautiful things about you, from the way that you hold to your principles to the way that you listen to people well. You are able to be silly with me but also discuss things that actually matter. At your core that is what you are, somebody who cares about real things, things that actually matter. Having you in my life, in my house inspires me to be a better man because you are a good man. I feel so comfortable with you and having met your parents, I can say that you come from good stock, and the apple has not fallen far from the tree. You think well Alex, and you are more well thought out than most other people that I have talked to. Not only so, but you are somebody who enjoys life and seeks to live it.
Alex, I am so thankful that we are friends. I do not think that I feel worthy to be your friend. You are working for a great life, and when I think of you, laziness is not something that comes to my mind. I have a tendency to be lazy and having you as a good friend helps to alleviate that. I think even more so, you are not a man who makes excuses; when you make a mistake you own up to it. You have loved me in certain ways that few others have, taking an interest in the things that I find interesting and the things that I like. (You read my story when nobody else would despite being in another continent. That is just one small example.) These things may not sound exceptional to you but that is just because it is merely the way that you think. To you, being a good man is the prerogative, and I appreciate you being a man of principle.
Alex, thanking you for loving me and being such a good friend in many different ways. I feel honored to be a part of your life.
Alex, I am so thankful that we are friends. I do not think that I feel worthy to be your friend. You are working for a great life, and when I think of you, laziness is not something that comes to my mind. I have a tendency to be lazy and having you as a good friend helps to alleviate that. I think even more so, you are not a man who makes excuses; when you make a mistake you own up to it. You have loved me in certain ways that few others have, taking an interest in the things that I find interesting and the things that I like. (You read my story when nobody else would despite being in another continent. That is just one small example.) These things may not sound exceptional to you but that is just because it is merely the way that you think. To you, being a good man is the prerogative, and I appreciate you being a man of principle.
Alex, thanking you for loving me and being such a good friend in many different ways. I feel honored to be a part of your life.
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
People: Jonah Erickson
I have been out of college for two years now. A lot of people have impacted me in those two years and I figure that it is high time that I start to tell them how they make me feel. I am focusing primarily on the people that I did not get a chance to thank in college but have left their imprint on me since. I have no target number to compete, but I need to inform people that they have loved. Considering that I have grown less emotional since college, this project does pose its problems; have grace on me please. This post is about a dear friend, Jonah.
Jonah, over the past few years you have been such a big encouragement to me. You are someone who thinks through things well and does not act merely upon instinct, but you seek out what is honestly best, and that is such an endearing quality to me. You are a man of principle, an ethical man, a dying breed today. As well, one of the ways that you encourage me well is by being creative, which goes back to helping you think through things differently. You also critique well. At times it has felt like I am talking with myself when I talk with you, and you always make it a point to listen well to me. I have always had a good time with you and you have helped me through some difficult times. It is encouraging for me to see someone who loves so well and loves so many well. You also care deeply about Christ and for Christ and there is room in our relationship to discuss things of faith as well as our relationship with a loving King. You are a rare breed Jonah, and you have done some work on my heart, whether or not you realize it. It is great to be able to share a friendship with you.
Jonah, you are one of the people who encourages me most to be a better man, in so many ways. You are never satisfied with the status quo. You have sought out life and you have sought out me. I am so thankful for you and I want to make sure to continue to pursue you. I need you in you my life. You are a good influence on my character, I do believe. Jonah, there is not enough that I can say about you, and you bring life to me.
Jonah, you impress me with the life that you live, and I am so excited to continue our friendship. I thrive on your childlikeness mixed with your maturity. You are a man and I love you.
Jonah, you are one of the people who encourages me most to be a better man, in so many ways. You are never satisfied with the status quo. You have sought out life and you have sought out me. I am so thankful for you and I want to make sure to continue to pursue you. I need you in you my life. You are a good influence on my character, I do believe. Jonah, there is not enough that I can say about you, and you bring life to me.
Jonah, you impress me with the life that you live, and I am so excited to continue our friendship. I thrive on your childlikeness mixed with your maturity. You are a man and I love you.
Friday, June 26, 2015
People: Levi Miller
I have been out of college for two years now. A lot of people have impacted me in those two years and I figure that it is high time that I start to tell them how they make me feel. I am focusing primarily on the people that I did not get a chance to thank in college but have left their imprint on me since. I have no target number to compete, but I need to inform people that they have loved. Considering that I have grown less emotional since college, this project does pose its problems; have grace on me please. This post is about my brother, Levi Miller.
Levi, it has been said that a man's character is in some part dictated by the people around him. I believe this and because I believe this, I am so thankful that you are in my life. You inspire me to be a better man in so many ways. You are a man of principle, and in an age that we live in that is so rare. One of the reasons that I love you so much is because you have so much life and energy in you and it is not so much that that is not the case for me, but at times I feel worn down. At times I feel like I have no energy and that I am not living up to my position or potential, and you consistently encourage me. Everytime that I spend time with you I am refreshed. I feel like you listen to me well and give me room to talk about the things that I enjoy and thrive in. Additionally, I enjoy listening to you as well because I think that your ideas come from a good place and that you think differently and outside of the box. I have come to realize that you see people as having intrinsic value to them, nobody is not worthwhile for frivolous reasons. One of the greatest compliments that I can give to you is that you are someone that I actually want to influence me because I think that I will become a better man through it.
Levi, this year I have needed your friendship so much. Many times I have spent with you and they have been some of my favorite days from the past year. I can confide in you and trust that you have my best interests at heart. The only thing that I feel like I do not have enough of is time with you, and you are a friend that I really hope will be in my life for a long time. You listen and love well, and it is so prudent to see someone who is not complacent with the type of man that he is; you seek to understand yourself and better yourself, not be ok with who you are. This is something that I too seek. You have been like a brother to me for much of the past year, and I have often failed to reciprocate the type of love that you have shown me, but I have been trying. I also am able to feel love for you, something that I cannot say for many people these days, and that alone encourages and challenges me.
Levi, all this to say that I could not in this small space hope to parlay what you mean to me. I am inspired by your desire to live simply and share and give what you have to others. I hope that I have been a positive influence in your life and I appreciate so much your love and friendship for me.
Levi, this year I have needed your friendship so much. Many times I have spent with you and they have been some of my favorite days from the past year. I can confide in you and trust that you have my best interests at heart. The only thing that I feel like I do not have enough of is time with you, and you are a friend that I really hope will be in my life for a long time. You listen and love well, and it is so prudent to see someone who is not complacent with the type of man that he is; you seek to understand yourself and better yourself, not be ok with who you are. This is something that I too seek. You have been like a brother to me for much of the past year, and I have often failed to reciprocate the type of love that you have shown me, but I have been trying. I also am able to feel love for you, something that I cannot say for many people these days, and that alone encourages and challenges me.
Levi, all this to say that I could not in this small space hope to parlay what you mean to me. I am inspired by your desire to live simply and share and give what you have to others. I hope that I have been a positive influence in your life and I appreciate so much your love and friendship for me.
Thursday, June 18, 2015
People: Bloodbath
I have been out of college for two years now. A lot of people have impacted me in those two years and I figure that it is high time that I start to tell them how they make me feel. I am focusing primarily on the people that I did not get a chance to thank in college but have left their imprint on me since. I have no target number to compete, but I need to inform people that they have loved. Considering that I have grown less emotional since college, this project does pose its problems; have grace on me please. This post is about my shortest friend, Bloodbath.
Blood, before I stayed with you those two months, I had no idea that we were going to become so close. Really, I needed your friendship so much that summer, more than I could ever properly explain. It was a difficult summer in reference to what exactly I was doing, but my blossoming friendship with you made was easily the best thing about that summer. I miss you very much and I still plan to visit you sometime when I can because I feel like you and I are kindred souls. I enjoy hanging out with you so much and you are so low maintenance. You love food and I feel like life with you was so simple and yet so enjoyable for me. You allowed me to see the world in a way that I was not accustomed to seeing it in, and that type of impact on my life is invaluable. We also did not need much to become friends, but one of the things that appealed to me most about you is that you had a desire to mature and a willingness follow suit. You are more of an adult than most people I know, especially in the way that you take care of those around you that you care for and in the way that you see the world. Life was not always easy for you, but you grew from that and overcame the difficulties; that is so inspiring to me. So much of who you are inspires me to be a better man.
Blood, you are a great man and a great friend. I have enjoyed all of the time that I have spent with you, even though I feel like it has been far too brief. The memories that I have to think of that we have spent together are so fond and pleasant, as is that period of my life, and you played such a large part of that. Somehow you are more mature than most of your friends, which is not surprising, but you are also more mature than most of my friends, which is saying something. You have your head on straight, and you are destined to lead a life that matters and a life that loves others well.
Thank you for your friendship Kyle. I love you.
Blood, you are a great man and a great friend. I have enjoyed all of the time that I have spent with you, even though I feel like it has been far too brief. The memories that I have to think of that we have spent together are so fond and pleasant, as is that period of my life, and you played such a large part of that. Somehow you are more mature than most of your friends, which is not surprising, but you are also more mature than most of my friends, which is saying something. You have your head on straight, and you are destined to lead a life that matters and a life that loves others well.
Thank you for your friendship Kyle. I love you.
Monday, June 15, 2015
People: Jamu
I have been out of college for two years now. A lot of people have impacted me in those two years and I figure that it is high time that I start to tell them how they make me feel. I am focusing primarily on the people that I did not get a chance to thank in college but have left their imprint on me since. I have no target number to compete, but I need to inform people that they have loved. Considering that I have grown less emotional since college, this project does pose its problems; have grace on me please. This post is about my German brother, Jamu.
Jamu, to say that you are a brother to me is an understatement. I met you in my kitchen, and from the moment I met you I instantly enjoyed you. I have known you for less than a year and yet in that year you have been able to impress me with who you are. People have consistently thought of us as brothers, and I am always glad when people do because you are such a brother to me. You are a joy to have around in every circumstance and situation. You have shown a resiliency and your willingness to hang out in a wide variety of situations is refreshing. You are polite and considerate and you always wanted to know how you could include me in what you were doing. I appreciate that. I met a lot of international people this year, but none of them are quite like you. You are a man in the most accurate sense of the word, strong and a good leader while simultaneously emotional and loving. In my life particularly, I needed your friendship this year. You listened to me and I loved coming home to see you there. You are like a brother to me Jamu.
I appreciate your openness as well, consistently giving me room to think and process, and although you made your work a priority, you also made life a priority, going out of your way to do different things. Not only did you allow me to be open, but you have always been open with me about your thoughts and the way that you feel. One of the things that I most enjoy about you is that I am able to be with you in a variety of different events; eating, a sunset walk, getting mcflurrys, celebrating the holidays, talking at dance parties, and going up into the mountains to get tri-tip. I have so many pleasant memories with you, yet our friendship is by no means over. I want you to be a part of my life for years to come because you are a special type of friend and man and individual.
Jamu, thank you for loving me so well and being such a good friend. I love and appreciate you so much.
I appreciate your openness as well, consistently giving me room to think and process, and although you made your work a priority, you also made life a priority, going out of your way to do different things. Not only did you allow me to be open, but you have always been open with me about your thoughts and the way that you feel. One of the things that I most enjoy about you is that I am able to be with you in a variety of different events; eating, a sunset walk, getting mcflurrys, celebrating the holidays, talking at dance parties, and going up into the mountains to get tri-tip. I have so many pleasant memories with you, yet our friendship is by no means over. I want you to be a part of my life for years to come because you are a special type of friend and man and individual.
Jamu, thank you for loving me so well and being such a good friend. I love and appreciate you so much.
Sunday, June 14, 2015
People: Aaron Vasey
I have been out of college for two years now. A lot of people have impacted me in those two years and I figure that it is high time that I start to tell them how they make me feel. I am focusing primarily on the people that I did not get a chance to thank in college but have left their imprint on me since. I have no target number to compete, but I need to inform people that they have loved. Considering that I have grown less emotional since college, this project does pose its problems; have grace on me please. This post is about a special friend of mine, Aaron Vasey.
Aaron, you are one of my most important friends. It is weird for me to say that, but you are someone who cares about me very very well. We have been very close since last year, and you are just a joy to be around. You make me laugh and bring me a lot of joy. I occasionally wonder why you chose to be such a good fried to me, and that only indicates just how much of a good friend you are to me. Whether it be us getting food together, walking somewhere, or just sitting watching something, I always enjoy time with you. You are someone who allows me to be very open and you listen better than most people that I know. You also ask good questions which is a part of listening well but warrants mentioning separately. Over the last two years, I will get off of work and you are one of the people that I want to see. When I think about you, I think about someone who loves well, yet I do not know why. You are someone who I really enjoy talking with as well, partially because I can be open but partially because I feel like you are interested in talking about similar things to me. You seem to have a wide enough range of interests, and many of those overlap with mine which I have become somewhat dependent on.
Aaron, I am so thankful that next year you are not leaving and thus I get a full year to live with you. You see the world in a peculiar yet lovely way. You have managed to retain your youthful innocence, something that I virtually feed off of. Sometimes I feel exhausted and tired, and not only do you refresh me, but you encourage me in a way that nobody else quite does. I am excited to continue to get to know you and watch the way that you grow and our friendship along with it. You enjoy sharing music together and overall just sharing life together, and while I sometimes get frustrated with people, you are very rarely among them; there is a reason for that. It is not because you cow-tow to what I want out of a friend, but it is because you actually love me.
Yes Vasey, with you there so much amicability and I feel loved so fiercely from you, which I can say so rarely about someone. I so very much appreciate the life that you give me and the enthusiasm which you bring to our friendship. I only hope that I can continue to love you well in return.
Aaron, I am so thankful that next year you are not leaving and thus I get a full year to live with you. You see the world in a peculiar yet lovely way. You have managed to retain your youthful innocence, something that I virtually feed off of. Sometimes I feel exhausted and tired, and not only do you refresh me, but you encourage me in a way that nobody else quite does. I am excited to continue to get to know you and watch the way that you grow and our friendship along with it. You enjoy sharing music together and overall just sharing life together, and while I sometimes get frustrated with people, you are very rarely among them; there is a reason for that. It is not because you cow-tow to what I want out of a friend, but it is because you actually love me.
Yes Vasey, with you there so much amicability and I feel loved so fiercely from you, which I can say so rarely about someone. I so very much appreciate the life that you give me and the enthusiasm which you bring to our friendship. I only hope that I can continue to love you well in return.
Friday, June 12, 2015
People: Jake Sterhagen
I have been out of college for two years now. A lot of people have impacted me in those two years and I figure that it is high time that I start to tell them how they make me feel. I am focusing primarily on the people that I did not get a chance to thank in college but have left their imprint on me since. I have no target number to compete, but I need to inform people that they have loved. Considering that I have grown less emotional since college, this project does pose its problems; have grace on me please. This post is about one of my best friends, Jake Sternhagen.
Jake, you are one of the greatest people that I know. I met you years ago at a worship night, and we have had a robust relationship ever since. Jake, there is no way that in one post I could say enough about what you mean to me, but please permit me the grace to attempt to do so anyway. For two years now, I have needed your friendship very much. You listen to me well and you give me room to talk and think. You are one of the most rational people that I know, and you have a way to make people around you think rationally, and I appreciate that because as rational as I am, I simply get fed up with people far too much. But you do not Jake; you are very reluctant to give up on people, and I do not consider that weakness, I consider it strength. You love Christ, and you are actually interested in investigating truly and completely what that means and giving energy to the thought process of figuring this all out. You are an incredibly good friend to everybody who considers you a friend, and anybody who is a friend of yours would vouch for that. After college I lost a lot of people close to me, not because they were now uninterested in being my friend, but because they left geographically. You verily filled in that gap and filled it in lovingly and exceptionally, always taking time to be intentional with me. Man Jake, you even helped me get my driver's license.
Jake, all of this to say, you have been such a good friend for so long. You make time for me, pay for me far too often. One of the things that is most substantial is that you actually give thought and effort into how to love me practically. That is such rare a trait, Jake. Most people talk about love but have no real idea or discipline to carry it out, but you are interested in practical love. Not only with me, but you seek to practically love God as well. You are unsettled when you perceive evil and wrong around you and you seek to make change. That is another rare quality to find in people, that you possess. You are a one of a kind friend to me and consequently, I have a deep-seeded love for you. I am often overwhelmed by the love that you show me because it is rare that people show love to me with that ferocity. I need that in my life, and it has created between us a spirit that allows me to discuss truly anything. Jake, there is nothing that I feel like is off-topic to discuss with you, another rare quality. I appreciate that freedom and openness.
Jake, thank you so much for being such a good friend and encouraging me so much. I truly do not know what my life would have been like if I had not led a bible study with you last year. You are a once in a lifetime friend and somebody whom I hope is in my life forever. You have a youthful vivacity combined with an adult, mature integrity. I can only see our relationship getting better because you are someone that I want to spend so much time with. I love you deeply Jake.
Jake, all of this to say, you have been such a good friend for so long. You make time for me, pay for me far too often. One of the things that is most substantial is that you actually give thought and effort into how to love me practically. That is such rare a trait, Jake. Most people talk about love but have no real idea or discipline to carry it out, but you are interested in practical love. Not only with me, but you seek to practically love God as well. You are unsettled when you perceive evil and wrong around you and you seek to make change. That is another rare quality to find in people, that you possess. You are a one of a kind friend to me and consequently, I have a deep-seeded love for you. I am often overwhelmed by the love that you show me because it is rare that people show love to me with that ferocity. I need that in my life, and it has created between us a spirit that allows me to discuss truly anything. Jake, there is nothing that I feel like is off-topic to discuss with you, another rare quality. I appreciate that freedom and openness.
Jake, thank you so much for being such a good friend and encouraging me so much. I truly do not know what my life would have been like if I had not led a bible study with you last year. You are a once in a lifetime friend and somebody whom I hope is in my life forever. You have a youthful vivacity combined with an adult, mature integrity. I can only see our relationship getting better because you are someone that I want to spend so much time with. I love you deeply Jake.
People: Troy Yamasaki
I have been out of college for two years now. A lot of people have impacted me in those two years and I figure that it is high time that I start to tell them how they make me feel. I am focusing primarily on the people that I did not get a chance to thank in college but have left their imprint on me since. I have no target number to compete, but I need to inform people that they have loved. Considering that I have grown less emotional since college, this project does pose its problems; have grace on me please. This post is about one of my favorite Asians, Troy Yamasaki.
Troy, let me start by saying how refreshing it always is to spend time with you. You are a man who constantly and consistently seeks to love Jesus and make Him known in your life and the lives of those around you. Without you my life would be much drier and though we do not always spend time together, even knowing that you are in IV to labor with me is so very needed. From the time that I met you I have had the blessing of being able to be something of a mentor to you and I am so thankful for that. You have loved me well for three years now and given me a place to be open about myself, my weaknesses, and most of all my faith and thoughts thereof. You have shown so many the love of Christ by what you have done and the way that you have acted and continue to act. Something that has been confirmed as true over and over is how considerate you are and how caring you are toward you friends. You have long been one of my favorite people to pray with because I think that you are much more intentional in your prayers than most other people that I know. Most everything about your faith is refreshing Troy, and while you are not perfect, that is a fact that I believe you understand and seek to change.
Troy, I consider it a blessing to be your friend, and knowing you often feels like knowing a celebrity, but not because of some arbitrary, vain reason, but because you have made it your mission to love people well. That does not go unnoticed, even though I know that you do not do it for the notice. For so much of last year, your faith kept me going and gave me a reason to stay strong. I have seen your commitment to Christ, even when you do not know what that looks like, and it has encouraged me to stay sinless. I appreciate that you seek to be obedient to Christ and that is something that I do not ever want you to lose.
Troy, I have spent some great times with you in the past, not just little times, but also big times like both of our birthdays over the past couple of years. I appreciate every moment that I get to spend with you, and while I have not been a perfect friend to you, I am so appreciative that you have had so much grace on me. I love you Troy, and I thank you for the impact that you have had on my life.
Troy, I consider it a blessing to be your friend, and knowing you often feels like knowing a celebrity, but not because of some arbitrary, vain reason, but because you have made it your mission to love people well. That does not go unnoticed, even though I know that you do not do it for the notice. For so much of last year, your faith kept me going and gave me a reason to stay strong. I have seen your commitment to Christ, even when you do not know what that looks like, and it has encouraged me to stay sinless. I appreciate that you seek to be obedient to Christ and that is something that I do not ever want you to lose.
Troy, I have spent some great times with you in the past, not just little times, but also big times like both of our birthdays over the past couple of years. I appreciate every moment that I get to spend with you, and while I have not been a perfect friend to you, I am so appreciative that you have had so much grace on me. I love you Troy, and I thank you for the impact that you have had on my life.
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
People: Jenny Nguyen
I have been out of college for two years now. A lot of people have impacted me in those two years and I figure that it is high time that I start to tell them how they make me feel. I am focusing primarily on the people that I did not get a chance to thank in college but have left their imprint on me since. I have no target number to compete, but I need to inform people that they have loved. Considering that I have grown less emotional since college, this project does pose its problems; have grace on me please. This post is about the person who pluralized my name, Jennies.
Jennies, allow me to start out by saying that there is no way that I could ever say enough about how much you have impacted me this year. I hardly knew you beyond face recognition before moving into the Treehouse with you, and I can say that from the moment that you moved in, I chose to believe in you. When around you, I know how much that I am cared for, and when I think of you I think of you as someone who is strong yet honest. I have never met someone who is as unabashedly, unashamedly tell people the way you feel, whether that be messed up things in your past, your sexual history, or anything else. You are honest in another way too: if you think that something is ridiculous, you will say so, if you think that someone is great, you will tell them so. That type of honesty is extremely refreshing. You care for the people around you very well, and you understand well that you are loved. You are also up front about your insecurities, which, while at times frustrating, is also very refreshing to see someone who knows what their weaknesses are. You have taught me much, and while I have matured very much this year, you have played an integral part in that. I guess what this is all saying is that I respect you immensely. You do a good job of loving, and I think that you are excellent at being a functional human being.
I think one of the other things that I really love about you is your way of taking the ridiculous things of life in stride. Life is full of ridiculous things and you do not seem to get caught up in them, but instead seem to just laugh and carry on. In that way you are more logical and less controlled by your emotions. You have so many flaws, but you are aware of them and you have so many beautiful things about you as well, Jenny. You are ambitious as well and that inspires me to want to do more because although you are a nerd at heart, you take care of what you need to do first and prioritize play where it should be without over-valuing it and thus mucking your life up unnecessarily. We have spent so many good times together, one-on-one and with groups, and you are always a joy to hang out with. You really make me feel accepted and loved so securely. I love that about you and I often think to your friendship.
Jenny, you are such a special creature and I very much appreciate you. Thank you for loving me and being so good at it while at the same time allowing me to be secure and listening to me. Thank you for that, Jenny and happy birthday. I love you.
I think one of the other things that I really love about you is your way of taking the ridiculous things of life in stride. Life is full of ridiculous things and you do not seem to get caught up in them, but instead seem to just laugh and carry on. In that way you are more logical and less controlled by your emotions. You have so many flaws, but you are aware of them and you have so many beautiful things about you as well, Jenny. You are ambitious as well and that inspires me to want to do more because although you are a nerd at heart, you take care of what you need to do first and prioritize play where it should be without over-valuing it and thus mucking your life up unnecessarily. We have spent so many good times together, one-on-one and with groups, and you are always a joy to hang out with. You really make me feel accepted and loved so securely. I love that about you and I often think to your friendship.
Jenny, you are such a special creature and I very much appreciate you. Thank you for loving me and being so good at it while at the same time allowing me to be secure and listening to me. Thank you for that, Jenny and happy birthday. I love you.
Monday, June 8, 2015
People: ZBG
I have been out of college for two years now. A lot of people have impacted me in those two years and I figure that it is high time that I start to tell them how they make me feel. I am focusing primarily on the people that I did not get a chance to thank in college but have left their imprint on me since. I have no target number to compete, but I need to inform people that they have loved. Considering that I have grown less emotional since college, this project does pose its problems; have grace on me please. This post is about a man with merely 3 letters, ZBG.
ZBG, your friendship has been such a huge blessing to e over the past two years. The day that I met you we prayed and worshiped together and I feel like that set the precedent of our friendship. I have doubted what many people think of me and experienced many friendships wherein the other person has not given back to me, but none of that has been true for you. You have always not only pursued me but pointed me directly back to Christ. I have always appreciated the way that you have loved me. your grace in my life is unparalleled and you have never treated me with anything but intense kindness and care. More than that, you have been open and honest with me and that is an easy way to get close to me. ZBG, what I have loved so much about our friendship is the way that you have listened to me and been eager to hear what I have to say, and it has given me such a space to be open about my life and my faith with someone who loves me. You have helped me to think well and have a discussion, giving me room to be myself. When I think of you I think of someone who does not desire his own glory, but you do things for the greater good. This is not entirely true, but you have taken much of what has happened to you in stride and have not broken down. I have seen you pursue friendships in order to make them great.
ZBG, I think that you do well at knowing your limits and being up front about them. You do not try to do more than you are able to and that is a rare quality in men these days. You have given me such a huge dose of grace and shown love directly to me throughout the duration of our relationship. I appreciate your willingness to go on walks and talk, get lunch if I am hungry, or be challenged if that is what I want to do. You have put up with a lot while constantly forgiving me when I transgress against you. I have needed your pointing me to Christ everytime that you have done it and your sober-minded way of looking at the world.
ZBG, there is so much more that I can say, but for now you will have to settle for me thanking you for the friendship that you have been so willing and at times eager to give to me and me letting you know that I love you. I can see myself loving you for a very long time and I hope that that vision comes through.
ZBG, I think that you do well at knowing your limits and being up front about them. You do not try to do more than you are able to and that is a rare quality in men these days. You have given me such a huge dose of grace and shown love directly to me throughout the duration of our relationship. I appreciate your willingness to go on walks and talk, get lunch if I am hungry, or be challenged if that is what I want to do. You have put up with a lot while constantly forgiving me when I transgress against you. I have needed your pointing me to Christ everytime that you have done it and your sober-minded way of looking at the world.
ZBG, there is so much more that I can say, but for now you will have to settle for me thanking you for the friendship that you have been so willing and at times eager to give to me and me letting you know that I love you. I can see myself loving you for a very long time and I hope that that vision comes through.
Sunday, June 7, 2015
People: Dane Short
I have been out of college for two years now. A lot of people have impacted me in those two years and I figure that it is high time that I start to tell them how they make me feel. I am focusing primarily on the people that I did not get a chance to thank in college but have left their imprint on me since. I have no target number to compete, but I need to inform people that they have loved. Considering that I have grown less emotional since college, this project does pose its problems; have grace on me please. This post is about my one friend taller than me, Dane Short.
Dane, from the first time that I had the opportunity to spend time with you, I have enjoyed it. The simple fact is that we have so many things that we are able to bond over, from being tall and thin, to cooking, to the intricacies of navigating life as a follower of Jesus. One of the things that I appreciate most about you Dane, is that you give me room to think and you really listen to me ardently and well. It seems like for the duration of our relationship I have had the privilege of mentoring you in many aspects of life, but believe me when i tell you that that has done as much if not more good for me than it has for you. I have so many thoughts and having someone who not only listens but wants to listen to them, is incredibly important and treasured to me. Most relationships I have to work so hard for, but with our relationship, I have been able to develop it with less effort, not because I love you less, but because you are so open to having a relationship with me. Our relationship is robust, and by that I mean that we are able to do and have done many different types of things together. We cook, talk, laugh, worship, watch, play monkeys in the sand, play signs, and many other things. This has helped enhance our relationship so much and kept it from growing stale.
Dane, if I have not done an adequate job yet of making it clear, I really appreciate that I am able to be open with you and especially that you give me a positive space in which to develop my thoughts. Your ability and willingness to listen has taught me a lot about how to listen and how to ask good questions. Additionally, I have tried to listen to you well and that is one of the reasons that we are such good friends: we listen to each other and make that a priority. You are goofy but more than open to being serious when the need arises. Additionally, you are someone that I love to hang out with in groups, partially because of your ability to be goofy or serious and partially because I always feel comfortable around you. Dane, you have transitioned from a young, eager freshman into a leader, even if you are at times reluctant to lead in the traditional sense, you lead in many ways these days, with a humble attitude, fervent spirit, and faithful heart.
Dane, I am so appreciative of your friendship and that you have been willing to take steps when I have lacked in that regard. Thank you for listening to me and having grace on me. I love you.
Dane, if I have not done an adequate job yet of making it clear, I really appreciate that I am able to be open with you and especially that you give me a positive space in which to develop my thoughts. Your ability and willingness to listen has taught me a lot about how to listen and how to ask good questions. Additionally, I have tried to listen to you well and that is one of the reasons that we are such good friends: we listen to each other and make that a priority. You are goofy but more than open to being serious when the need arises. Additionally, you are someone that I love to hang out with in groups, partially because of your ability to be goofy or serious and partially because I always feel comfortable around you. Dane, you have transitioned from a young, eager freshman into a leader, even if you are at times reluctant to lead in the traditional sense, you lead in many ways these days, with a humble attitude, fervent spirit, and faithful heart.
Dane, I am so appreciative of your friendship and that you have been willing to take steps when I have lacked in that regard. Thank you for listening to me and having grace on me. I love you.
Friday, June 5, 2015
People: Ben Harding
I have been out of college for two years now. A lot of people have impacted me in those two years and I figure that it is high time that I start to tell them how they make me feel. I am focusing primarily on the people that I did not get a chance to thank in college but have left their imprint on me since. I have no target number to compete, but I need to inform people that they have loved. Considering that I have grown less emotional since college, this project does pose its problems; have grace on me please. This post is about a man who #sleeps: Ben Harding.
Harding, I still remember when I first met you that night at the beginning of my senior year. I do not think that too many people know you well, but I have had the blessing of being able to spend a good amount of time with you over the years. You are a fun person, and I do not say that lightly; sometimes there are times when I just want to hang out with you, even feel like I need to hang out with you. You are such a great person to hang out with when I am exhausted or when I need to just relax and need it not to be heavy. That is an underrated quality. You are so opinionated at times, but that is only because you are so strong in who you are. You work hard for what you want, and I am glad that you are willing to put up with me posting napping pictures of you.
Ben, I occasionally get peeved with what I perceive is a lack of care about the most important things, and I know that that aspect will continue to grow as you do. However, I know that at the end of the day, you would go to battle for anybody that you really care about, me included. I can say that it is a blessing to be able to say that you are one of my closest friends. You are strong-willed and that will serve you well in life.
Harding, thank you for making me laugh, laughing with me, having such a similar taste in movies, being honest with me, playing so much basketball with me, and just being a friend. I appreciate you very much and love you.
Ben, I occasionally get peeved with what I perceive is a lack of care about the most important things, and I know that that aspect will continue to grow as you do. However, I know that at the end of the day, you would go to battle for anybody that you really care about, me included. I can say that it is a blessing to be able to say that you are one of my closest friends. You are strong-willed and that will serve you well in life.
Harding, thank you for making me laugh, laughing with me, having such a similar taste in movies, being honest with me, playing so much basketball with me, and just being a friend. I appreciate you very much and love you.
Thursday, June 4, 2015
People: Brandon Downum
I have been out of college for two years now. A lot of people have impacted me in those two years and I figure that it is high time that I start to tell them how they make me feel. I am focusing primarily on the people that I did not get a chance to thank in college but have left their imprint on me since. I have no target number to compete, but I need to inform people that they have loved. Considering that I have grown less emotional since college, this project does pose its problems; have grace on me please. This post is about my quirkiest friend, Brandon Downum.
D, I have known you for several years, but the last two of them are when I have really known you well. To say that I needed you last year would be a gross understatement. I so very much needed your friendship last year and the fact that we were able to get close has been a huge blessing. I do not think that many people have really taken the time to get to know you, but that is to their detriment. You are someone who is a good friend to his friends and is also aware of his own faults. You have shown a willingness to come and meet people where they are at. People generally know you as 'that quirky guy,' but I have had the blessing to know beyond that. When I think of you I think of someone who has always been willing to make me laugh, and while I do think you are funny, you have been able to make me laugh because you know me well and know what makes me laugh. Your pursuit of me has been a big blessing too because there are so many people that I always have to chase after that having someone who returns it, even just a little, is huge for me.
You are more than just a quirky guy Brandon. You are someone who struggles, who loves, and who enjoys life. Although you do not like confrontation, you are always able to see the lighter side of life in a culture where light and joy are drowned out amidst a cacophony of complaints and thanklessness. You are not perfect and you never will be, but you clearly know that are working for it. It is that side of you which makes me excited for what God is going to do in you in the coming years. I can see you becoming a man Brandon, but one who will not lose that vital sense of childlike wonder that is so integral in how you see the world. That is a treasure and I encourage you to stoke it, even as you layer onto it maturity and grace.
Understand why I tell you all of this: I love you and I will miss you so much when you leave. You are someone who has been a real friend to me and you have shared with me much that I believe has been hidden from others. As well, you, more so than perhaps any of the friends that I have ever had, share so many great lines with me.
"Is there no decency" "I'll do it" "We shan't be telling your mother about this, shan't we" and so many more. D, thank you for being my friend at times when I have really needed it and enjoying life with me on many levels.
You are more than just a quirky guy Brandon. You are someone who struggles, who loves, and who enjoys life. Although you do not like confrontation, you are always able to see the lighter side of life in a culture where light and joy are drowned out amidst a cacophony of complaints and thanklessness. You are not perfect and you never will be, but you clearly know that are working for it. It is that side of you which makes me excited for what God is going to do in you in the coming years. I can see you becoming a man Brandon, but one who will not lose that vital sense of childlike wonder that is so integral in how you see the world. That is a treasure and I encourage you to stoke it, even as you layer onto it maturity and grace.
Understand why I tell you all of this: I love you and I will miss you so much when you leave. You are someone who has been a real friend to me and you have shared with me much that I believe has been hidden from others. As well, you, more so than perhaps any of the friends that I have ever had, share so many great lines with me.
"Is there no decency" "I'll do it" "We shan't be telling your mother about this, shan't we" and so many more. D, thank you for being my friend at times when I have really needed it and enjoying life with me on many levels.
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
People: David Haynes
I have been out of college for two years now. A lot of people have impacted me in those two years and I figure that it is high time that I start to tell them how they make me feel. I am focusing primarily on the people that I did not get a chance to thank in college but have left their imprint on me since. I have no target number to compete, but I need to inform people that they have loved. Considering that I have grown less emotional since college, this project does pose its problems; have grace on me please. This post is about the voice himself, David Haynes.
David, I was so surprised to see that I did not write about you the first time around I did this, but I am also thankful because now I get to write anew about you. I am so thankful that I have known you for so long and have had the privilege of seeing your growth first-hand, and our relationship along with it. Many people have known you for your voice but I have seen your faithful character, your humble spirit, and your joviality. The reality is that you care about people David, and you care about people well. For as long as I have known you this has been true of you and the more you mature and become a leader, the more this is who you are. When I think of you I think of somebody who shepherds people well. We have always had a relationship that you are someone that I have a special type of love for you. Something that I think that you do very well is rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn. You have a quiet humility about you that speaks so much louder than anything you can say, which is saying something considering your voice. You are so much more than your voice. The reality is that you have a certain magnetism about you that draws people in, but not only do you not abuse it, but you use it to love others well.
David, there is so much that I can say about you. Every time that I see you I get such a deep dose of joy and I always look forward to getting to see you. I hope that I get to continue to stay close to you. I needed your friendship so much last year, and your consistency in my life was so appreciated and so necessary. I do not think that I will ever be able to tell you what your friendship means to me adequately and what getting to lead you so directly for two years means to me.
You are a stud David, and while all of this may sound gaudy, you have become a trustworthy, faithful man and someone who leads and loves very well, and it is an honor to be among those that you love. I love you buddy.
David, there is so much that I can say about you. Every time that I see you I get such a deep dose of joy and I always look forward to getting to see you. I hope that I get to continue to stay close to you. I needed your friendship so much last year, and your consistency in my life was so appreciated and so necessary. I do not think that I will ever be able to tell you what your friendship means to me adequately and what getting to lead you so directly for two years means to me.
You are a stud David, and while all of this may sound gaudy, you have become a trustworthy, faithful man and someone who leads and loves very well, and it is an honor to be among those that you love. I love you buddy.
Monday, June 1, 2015
People: Paul Miyake
I have been out of college for two years now. A lot of people have impacted me in those two years and I figure that it is high time that I start to tell them how they make me feel. I am focusing primarily on the people that I did not get a chance to thank in college but have left their imprint on me since. I have no target number to compete, but I need to inform people that they have loved. Considering that I have grown less emotional since college, this project does pose its problems; have grace on me please. This post is about someone so racially ambiguous, Paul Miyake.
Paul, for years you were very mysterious to me and I did not quite understand you. I tried to be your friend and here you were, Mr. Cool in the eyes of everybody and for good reason. You exude cool and you have since the day that I have met you. You have been blessed with a magnetism that I do not really see in many other people. I think that for a long time you had not experienced true, deep, long-lasting friendship because you did not know how to. You even told me something akin to that near the end of your junior year. I do not know what changed, but I can tell you that over the course of your last year, year and half of college, you developed and cultivated so many deep, long-lasting friendships. Your reputation grew and changed, not so much Mr. Cool (though you undoubtedly still were and are), but as a leader, a man, and friend who loves well. I can say that you are one of only a few people that I have seen so clearly grow in such a time so palpably in the exact area that you wanted to, and it is an encouragement to me as someone who is seeking always to grow. Last year I needed you in so many ways, needed your friendship. You were an encouragement to my faith, to my own ability to lead; you showed me that there are young people who care about good, decent things. It has been such an honor to support you in your year in the middle east, and it has given me so much joy to see you grow throughout the time I know you. You have gone from a boy into a man, and I am not exaggerating when I say that. You now have a collectedness about you, but not without the ability to infect others with your laughter all the same.
I think that what you have given me most Paul, is somebody to think through things with. You know that I am a thinker, always pensive, and you have always given me an avenue to expunge on. Not only have you listened to me but you ask good questions. Paul, there were times last year when I leaned so heavily on you in so many ways and I was able to ask you to keep me accountable for things because I respected and still respect you far too much to lie to you. I needed that honesty and all of these things have given me ample reason to tell you that you have loved me so well. There is for sure an imprint on my life over the past two years that you have left, and you are one of only a handful of guys (a small handful at that) that I would trust others to. This is because you lead faithfully and you love with reckless abandon.
All of these things sound gaudy Paul, but I really love you and I am so excited for the next time that I get to see you. I have told you before that I can easily see myself being friends with you for the entirety of my life and that is something that I still hold on to and am confident in. I am praying for you, Kiddo.
I think that what you have given me most Paul, is somebody to think through things with. You know that I am a thinker, always pensive, and you have always given me an avenue to expunge on. Not only have you listened to me but you ask good questions. Paul, there were times last year when I leaned so heavily on you in so many ways and I was able to ask you to keep me accountable for things because I respected and still respect you far too much to lie to you. I needed that honesty and all of these things have given me ample reason to tell you that you have loved me so well. There is for sure an imprint on my life over the past two years that you have left, and you are one of only a handful of guys (a small handful at that) that I would trust others to. This is because you lead faithfully and you love with reckless abandon.
All of these things sound gaudy Paul, but I really love you and I am so excited for the next time that I get to see you. I have told you before that I can easily see myself being friends with you for the entirety of my life and that is something that I still hold on to and am confident in. I am praying for you, Kiddo.
Sunday, May 31, 2015
Ru-May-Nations 6
Lesson-a period of learning or teaching.
I always like to reflect whenever I finish a new series since it (reflection) is not really one of my skills. I sit now in the heart of Isla Vista, in a small crepe cafe watching the passer-bys as I drink my coffee, and I do not think that I will find a more appropriate time to reflect than this one. This month has been if nothing else, robust; the two halves seem almost incongruent, and it is remarkable to me that I am not at the very end of it all. This month featured nothing less than my birthday, an illness bout, a wedding, an 8-day in a row work stretch, both the moving-in and the moving-out of housemates, speeding my way through a book on philosophy, much reflection (obviously), and some timely encounters. I have learned several small lessons.
The housemate situation taught me to be much stricter about who I let stay in my house. I am not interested in living with children and that includes people of age who are as immature as children.
Many people commenting on my attitude toward women or on my ability to be patiently single taught me that I need to be even more patient about finding a woman. Similarly to housemates, I am very very strict about who I let into my life, especially in a romantic or relational context, and despite what my flesh may want, I know that difficult patience is the most appropriate action to take at the present time.
Going to another wedding and seeing old friends taught me that I need to keep pursuing people no matter what. It is acceptable for my 'target area' to shrink but not my effort level.
Finding the right book to read has taught me that it is not that I do not like reading, it is that I need to find the right, intellectually or emotionally stimulating material.
Having a bout with illness and feeling pretty out of it for about 5 days taught me that I am actually better than most at operating when somehow impaired (like when sick or tired).
I am sinful and need the grace of an unbelievably generous Savior-King in order to function and lead an effective and purposeful life. He gives me grace in droves, and it astounds me daily. This is not a lesson that is per-say new, but one that I can never afford to lose sight of.
I learned this month (or rather confirmed a long-held suspicion that) my mood, productivity, and desires are partially based on the weather. An interesting phenomenon.
A couple of instances that require more explanation that I feel compelled to currently supply taught me that I really really dislike when I double book myself and thus have to let someone down. A conflicting pair of good things to do at the same time can still be emotionally detrimental.
It is permissible to not smile if you can excel at making people laugh.
I would say that what I dwelt on most this month is the idea of hope. In about a year's time, I know that my life will change I seek a job and location that I feel fulfill me and give me purpose and I am fully aware that that will fundamentally change my life. That is terrifying, but because of the grace of God in my life and throughout my existence, I am filled with hope. A theme throughout my life is that God will take a nerve-wrecking or partially frightening prospect in my life and flip it around, giving me excitement for it. This is no exception and despite the seeming obstacles, I have confidence and peace that my God is so much bigger than obstacles. He gives and takes away and will no doubt continue to do so according to His will and purpose in my life. A continual reminder that my will is imperfect and fundamentally flawed, as is my thinking, is entirely important, as is reminding myself that the will of God for me is perfect and exciting. He has got my back and has proved that over and over again; He is faithful. This is the the hope I cling to about my future and the belief that I hang my hat on. This is the most important lesson (again, more of reconfirmed, which you can claim is cheating, but that is splitting hairs, brother) that I have learned this month.
On the lighter side:
I have very much enjoyed the book Would you Kill the Fat Man because it is essentially a nice refresher on the things that I learned in school but never took the time to delve into. In college if I was assigned it I would have blown it off. Now, I cannot put it down. It is not that I believe that I have gotten smarter, but that I am much more intentional about my intelligence.
I always like to reflect whenever I finish a new series since it (reflection) is not really one of my skills. I sit now in the heart of Isla Vista, in a small crepe cafe watching the passer-bys as I drink my coffee, and I do not think that I will find a more appropriate time to reflect than this one. This month has been if nothing else, robust; the two halves seem almost incongruent, and it is remarkable to me that I am not at the very end of it all. This month featured nothing less than my birthday, an illness bout, a wedding, an 8-day in a row work stretch, both the moving-in and the moving-out of housemates, speeding my way through a book on philosophy, much reflection (obviously), and some timely encounters. I have learned several small lessons.
The housemate situation taught me to be much stricter about who I let stay in my house. I am not interested in living with children and that includes people of age who are as immature as children.
Many people commenting on my attitude toward women or on my ability to be patiently single taught me that I need to be even more patient about finding a woman. Similarly to housemates, I am very very strict about who I let into my life, especially in a romantic or relational context, and despite what my flesh may want, I know that difficult patience is the most appropriate action to take at the present time.
Going to another wedding and seeing old friends taught me that I need to keep pursuing people no matter what. It is acceptable for my 'target area' to shrink but not my effort level.
Finding the right book to read has taught me that it is not that I do not like reading, it is that I need to find the right, intellectually or emotionally stimulating material.
Having a bout with illness and feeling pretty out of it for about 5 days taught me that I am actually better than most at operating when somehow impaired (like when sick or tired).
I am sinful and need the grace of an unbelievably generous Savior-King in order to function and lead an effective and purposeful life. He gives me grace in droves, and it astounds me daily. This is not a lesson that is per-say new, but one that I can never afford to lose sight of.
I learned this month (or rather confirmed a long-held suspicion that) my mood, productivity, and desires are partially based on the weather. An interesting phenomenon.
A couple of instances that require more explanation that I feel compelled to currently supply taught me that I really really dislike when I double book myself and thus have to let someone down. A conflicting pair of good things to do at the same time can still be emotionally detrimental.
It is permissible to not smile if you can excel at making people laugh.
I would say that what I dwelt on most this month is the idea of hope. In about a year's time, I know that my life will change I seek a job and location that I feel fulfill me and give me purpose and I am fully aware that that will fundamentally change my life. That is terrifying, but because of the grace of God in my life and throughout my existence, I am filled with hope. A theme throughout my life is that God will take a nerve-wrecking or partially frightening prospect in my life and flip it around, giving me excitement for it. This is no exception and despite the seeming obstacles, I have confidence and peace that my God is so much bigger than obstacles. He gives and takes away and will no doubt continue to do so according to His will and purpose in my life. A continual reminder that my will is imperfect and fundamentally flawed, as is my thinking, is entirely important, as is reminding myself that the will of God for me is perfect and exciting. He has got my back and has proved that over and over again; He is faithful. This is the the hope I cling to about my future and the belief that I hang my hat on. This is the most important lesson (again, more of reconfirmed, which you can claim is cheating, but that is splitting hairs, brother) that I have learned this month.
On the lighter side:
I have very much enjoyed the book Would you Kill the Fat Man because it is essentially a nice refresher on the things that I learned in school but never took the time to delve into. In college if I was assigned it I would have blown it off. Now, I cannot put it down. It is not that I believe that I have gotten smarter, but that I am much more intentional about my intelligence.
Saturday, May 23, 2015
Ru-May-Nations: 5
Death: the end of a life of a person or organism.
Death is rattling as anything. There is this oddness with death wherein it seems to simultaneously rattle and unify people. I think that there is something about the permanence of it, the face that the dead person is never going to return, that makes it so jarring. There are many stigmas surrounding death and often people do not even know how to act in general. About a year ago Isla Vista was hit with a tragedy that saw several people die. Allow me to add a disclaimer here-I do not intend to soften or demean what happened; what happened sucks and there is no getting around that. However, I have been thinking lately about what the best way to honor those who died is. We seem to think that simply erecting monuments, holding vigils, and spreading awareness absconds us of responsibility. Death is final, and we should treat it as so. I think that these small instances are, well small. Really, should we not try to do something that has a more lasting impact than simply erecting more monuments, such as doing our best to live well or alleviate suffering in the world. Isla Vista is a place of an incredible amount of excess, that is the simple fact, and people make it their seeming mission to revel in this excess instead of using it to bless or help those less fortunate.
This is something that I have been generally pretty frustrated (borderline disgusted, but because of my own glaring inaction, I hesitate to use that strong of a word) with lately, that people around me chose to revel in excess and lavish luxury when people around the world are suffering so much. The evil of our world manifests itself as sweatshops, underage brothels, homelessness, horrifying religious persecutions, and the like. Some people know this and seek to do something to change the status quo of the world, but although I applaud those few people, they are few and far between. Far more often, people simply ignore the evil around them or do some very minor thing to alleviate some very minor amount of suffering (such as tossing a buck to the homeless man on the quarter) to ease their guilty conscious about the difficulties and evils that they are not doing more about.
These two seemingly unrelated topics become related, at least in my mind, when death produces such a simple and response and one that is not more long-lasting. It is simply disheartening that this is the reality we live, that death produces monuments and long-lasting, on-going suffering produces strikingly less. The question then becomes, how exactly do we get people to care more about the suffering in the world such that not only death but also suffering itself elicits a compassionate response from people. Perhaps I am asking too much, perhaps it is all just wishful thinking, but I wish that death produced more than just a vigil (or at least that a vigil had some inherent value to the external world). Do not get me wrong, I think that giving people an avenue to deal with grief is incredibly important, same with giving people room to mourn, but I just wish we did more while people were still alive. To me, the best way to honor people who are dead, like everybody who has ever died, seems to be to destroy evil, love others, and alleviate suffering, even if that is difficult.
This is something that I am still processing, and I will admit that there are times when I allow the part of myself that simply wants to revel in excess instead of efficaciously caring about those around me, to thrive. It feels great, but it accomplishes nothing beyond the feeling. Celebrating is good, but I think that we have created a god (or at the very least idol) out of celebration and party in our society and we need re-orient ourselves. It is not easy, but simply reveling in excess seems like an entirely selfish way of life. God help us if all that we care about in our lives is ourselves without giving more though to our fellow men. It is more fun pleasurable but exceedingly selfish. Get outside of yourself.
On the lighter side: I just got a box of organic vegetables delivered to my door through one of the many programs in Santa Barbara that offers this service. I am excited.
Death is rattling as anything. There is this oddness with death wherein it seems to simultaneously rattle and unify people. I think that there is something about the permanence of it, the face that the dead person is never going to return, that makes it so jarring. There are many stigmas surrounding death and often people do not even know how to act in general. About a year ago Isla Vista was hit with a tragedy that saw several people die. Allow me to add a disclaimer here-I do not intend to soften or demean what happened; what happened sucks and there is no getting around that. However, I have been thinking lately about what the best way to honor those who died is. We seem to think that simply erecting monuments, holding vigils, and spreading awareness absconds us of responsibility. Death is final, and we should treat it as so. I think that these small instances are, well small. Really, should we not try to do something that has a more lasting impact than simply erecting more monuments, such as doing our best to live well or alleviate suffering in the world. Isla Vista is a place of an incredible amount of excess, that is the simple fact, and people make it their seeming mission to revel in this excess instead of using it to bless or help those less fortunate.
This is something that I have been generally pretty frustrated (borderline disgusted, but because of my own glaring inaction, I hesitate to use that strong of a word) with lately, that people around me chose to revel in excess and lavish luxury when people around the world are suffering so much. The evil of our world manifests itself as sweatshops, underage brothels, homelessness, horrifying religious persecutions, and the like. Some people know this and seek to do something to change the status quo of the world, but although I applaud those few people, they are few and far between. Far more often, people simply ignore the evil around them or do some very minor thing to alleviate some very minor amount of suffering (such as tossing a buck to the homeless man on the quarter) to ease their guilty conscious about the difficulties and evils that they are not doing more about.
These two seemingly unrelated topics become related, at least in my mind, when death produces such a simple and response and one that is not more long-lasting. It is simply disheartening that this is the reality we live, that death produces monuments and long-lasting, on-going suffering produces strikingly less. The question then becomes, how exactly do we get people to care more about the suffering in the world such that not only death but also suffering itself elicits a compassionate response from people. Perhaps I am asking too much, perhaps it is all just wishful thinking, but I wish that death produced more than just a vigil (or at least that a vigil had some inherent value to the external world). Do not get me wrong, I think that giving people an avenue to deal with grief is incredibly important, same with giving people room to mourn, but I just wish we did more while people were still alive. To me, the best way to honor people who are dead, like everybody who has ever died, seems to be to destroy evil, love others, and alleviate suffering, even if that is difficult.
This is something that I am still processing, and I will admit that there are times when I allow the part of myself that simply wants to revel in excess instead of efficaciously caring about those around me, to thrive. It feels great, but it accomplishes nothing beyond the feeling. Celebrating is good, but I think that we have created a god (or at the very least idol) out of celebration and party in our society and we need re-orient ourselves. It is not easy, but simply reveling in excess seems like an entirely selfish way of life. God help us if all that we care about in our lives is ourselves without giving more though to our fellow men. It is more fun pleasurable but exceedingly selfish. Get outside of yourself.
On the lighter side: I just got a box of organic vegetables delivered to my door through one of the many programs in Santa Barbara that offers this service. I am excited.
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
Ru-May-Nations: 4
Race: a competition between runners, horses, vehicles, boats, etc., to see which is the fastest in covering a set course.
Alternatively, Race: a (somewhat) arbitrary classification of humans for the purpose of discussion and persecution.
Let's get clear about one thing before we get into the meat of it all: racism exists in our society. Now, there are (at least) two different things that one could mean when talking about racism. The first is the attitude of someone's heart such that hate or prejudice exists towards a particular group of people based on nothing more than their skin color. The second is systematic racism that exists such that people of color are born into situations in which there are fewer positive opportunities afforded to them. The latter is not the topic of this post because it is clear that this type of racism is prevalent in our culture and to be very frank, I am not sure what to do about it. I think that the issues (such as less funding for schools in primarily non-white areas, fewer job opportunities for people with 'ethnic-sounding' names, higher interest rates on loans for people of color, etc.) need to be tackled both in the short term and in the long term; simply one of the two will not suffice. These issues and others like them are exceptionally deep-rooted within our society and a simple change in attitude will not be sufficient either; it takes more. These issues must be tackled creatively and systematically and must be given much thought. This is not an excuse meant to excuse myself from responsibility because the reality is that every American has to take some level of responsibility for our society. This is just not the point of this post, perhaps a future one.
The point of this post is to discuss the former type of racism; the attitude of one's heart that causes that person to hate and oppress a specific group of people based on nothing more than the color of their skin. Honestly I think that this type of racism is a rather large cause for the latter type; in other words, if people stopped oppressing others, then systems of oppression could then start to be tackled more easily. And concerning this type of racism, I say this: race is not this issue. This issue lies deeper than that. The issue is that we are willing to hate and oppress other members of our own species. As long as this is the case, then racism, sexism, classism, and many other -isms will exists. Let's be clear about something, if someone is willing to hate another person deep down, then curing racism will only be trying to cure the symptoms and not deal with the disease. (Personally I think that it goes even deeper than hate to sin, and sin must be addressed even before hate, but I digress) As long as hate exists then even if racism is eradicated, there will still be other -isms that will rise up to take its place. Perhaps they will not be apparent at first, but it will happen. Take the example of poverty: simply addressing poverty with systems and politics, while worthwhile and exceptionally beneficial to our society, does not address the root problem which is greed. As long as greed exists, poverty exists regardless of our efforts to eradicate it. Even if you somehow are able to eradicate poverty, it will pop back up unless greed is dealt with at the heart level. The same is true of racism. What I am postulating is not an attempt to undermine or underscore the evils of racism; it is just that: evil. However, my point is that the root issue must be dealt with first or dealing with racism or poverty is a moot point. Notice that I am not saying that dealing with these issues on a personal level is not without its merit and benefit, I believe that it is. However, it is never long-lasting unless heart issues are dealt with. A good heart is vital. This is my plan for dealing with racism: first deal with a heart that is willing to hate people and then racism will begin to take care of itself. There has been more than enough squabbling I think.
On the lighter side: I really appreciate the diversity of laughter that exists within the world, and smiles too for that matter. It is a real joy of mine to be able to make people laugh and smile and something that I get so much joy from. It might seem simplistic, but I am thankful for laughter diversity.
Alternatively, Race: a (somewhat) arbitrary classification of humans for the purpose of discussion and persecution.
Let's get clear about one thing before we get into the meat of it all: racism exists in our society. Now, there are (at least) two different things that one could mean when talking about racism. The first is the attitude of someone's heart such that hate or prejudice exists towards a particular group of people based on nothing more than their skin color. The second is systematic racism that exists such that people of color are born into situations in which there are fewer positive opportunities afforded to them. The latter is not the topic of this post because it is clear that this type of racism is prevalent in our culture and to be very frank, I am not sure what to do about it. I think that the issues (such as less funding for schools in primarily non-white areas, fewer job opportunities for people with 'ethnic-sounding' names, higher interest rates on loans for people of color, etc.) need to be tackled both in the short term and in the long term; simply one of the two will not suffice. These issues and others like them are exceptionally deep-rooted within our society and a simple change in attitude will not be sufficient either; it takes more. These issues must be tackled creatively and systematically and must be given much thought. This is not an excuse meant to excuse myself from responsibility because the reality is that every American has to take some level of responsibility for our society. This is just not the point of this post, perhaps a future one.
The point of this post is to discuss the former type of racism; the attitude of one's heart that causes that person to hate and oppress a specific group of people based on nothing more than the color of their skin. Honestly I think that this type of racism is a rather large cause for the latter type; in other words, if people stopped oppressing others, then systems of oppression could then start to be tackled more easily. And concerning this type of racism, I say this: race is not this issue. This issue lies deeper than that. The issue is that we are willing to hate and oppress other members of our own species. As long as this is the case, then racism, sexism, classism, and many other -isms will exists. Let's be clear about something, if someone is willing to hate another person deep down, then curing racism will only be trying to cure the symptoms and not deal with the disease. (Personally I think that it goes even deeper than hate to sin, and sin must be addressed even before hate, but I digress) As long as hate exists then even if racism is eradicated, there will still be other -isms that will rise up to take its place. Perhaps they will not be apparent at first, but it will happen. Take the example of poverty: simply addressing poverty with systems and politics, while worthwhile and exceptionally beneficial to our society, does not address the root problem which is greed. As long as greed exists, poverty exists regardless of our efforts to eradicate it. Even if you somehow are able to eradicate poverty, it will pop back up unless greed is dealt with at the heart level. The same is true of racism. What I am postulating is not an attempt to undermine or underscore the evils of racism; it is just that: evil. However, my point is that the root issue must be dealt with first or dealing with racism or poverty is a moot point. Notice that I am not saying that dealing with these issues on a personal level is not without its merit and benefit, I believe that it is. However, it is never long-lasting unless heart issues are dealt with. A good heart is vital. This is my plan for dealing with racism: first deal with a heart that is willing to hate people and then racism will begin to take care of itself. There has been more than enough squabbling I think.
On the lighter side: I really appreciate the diversity of laughter that exists within the world, and smiles too for that matter. It is a real joy of mine to be able to make people laugh and smile and something that I get so much joy from. It might seem simplistic, but I am thankful for laughter diversity.
Sunday, May 17, 2015
Ru-May-Nations: 3
Forever: for all future time; for always.
Forever is a long time. So long such that I think that humans are unable to grasp the concept of forever. Perhaps we are not, but the reality is that we have made forever a non-word, reducing its meaning to 'a very very long time.' But when it comes to a word like forever, no matter how much time you reduce it to, it defrauds what the word is. Forever analytically means 'an irreducible amount of time.' I think that perhaps if we understood how robust the word 'forever' actually is, it would change the way that we act and think. Very few things are forever; there is certainly an argument that could be made that analytically there can only be one thing that exists that is eternal, akin to infinite.
I believe that what I do on earth echoes into eternity. This means that if I believe that it is truly forever, then that has got to affect the way that I move and live and have my being. In thinking about forever and believing that forever actually exists and that perhaps reality is the only thing that exists that is forever, I want my life, 80-100 years at most, to reflect that. I have to live for something beyond myself and my life because to think about living for just me, it seems inherently selfish. I do not want to be selfish, so I have got to reorient myself to eternity. I have got to reorient myself to the reality of life beyond this brief, blink-and-you-miss-it life.
I guess that what I am trying to get at is something that I have been saying for years; I do not want to strip words of their potency. Forever is a word with great potency and the danger of parabolic speaking is exactly that words lost so much of their potency. I want to behave, being someone who believes in forever, as though 'forever' means forever. That has got to be my prerogative. I do not want to act as though I can settle for 'a very very long time;' that is not the truth. I want to live and live well and live as though my life affects forever. Eighty years seems like too little of an amount of time to waste in the grand scheme of eternity, but possibly not in the grand scheme of 'a very very long time,' and therein lies the danger. Something that has no end is something that we as humans do not even have a reference for; everything ends. It is quite literally incomprehensible simply because our brains do not function in such a way as to be able to understand it.
This is not a matter of 'try harder in your attempt to understand the true definition of this word,' it is instead a matter of acting as if forever is true and real. Time will only tell what the consequences to believing and acting in this manner are.
On the lighter side: I have been enjoying cold brew coffee very much this year and I think that it is the best way to make coffee. Not only does it taste better, but it is lower acidity so it is healthier as well. It takes a tiny bit of foresight, but overall I think that it is worth it and the benefits far outweigh the small cost, especially because you can still get bed coffee anywhere. Cold brew can also make bad coffee tasty!
Forever is a long time. So long such that I think that humans are unable to grasp the concept of forever. Perhaps we are not, but the reality is that we have made forever a non-word, reducing its meaning to 'a very very long time.' But when it comes to a word like forever, no matter how much time you reduce it to, it defrauds what the word is. Forever analytically means 'an irreducible amount of time.' I think that perhaps if we understood how robust the word 'forever' actually is, it would change the way that we act and think. Very few things are forever; there is certainly an argument that could be made that analytically there can only be one thing that exists that is eternal, akin to infinite.
I believe that what I do on earth echoes into eternity. This means that if I believe that it is truly forever, then that has got to affect the way that I move and live and have my being. In thinking about forever and believing that forever actually exists and that perhaps reality is the only thing that exists that is forever, I want my life, 80-100 years at most, to reflect that. I have to live for something beyond myself and my life because to think about living for just me, it seems inherently selfish. I do not want to be selfish, so I have got to reorient myself to eternity. I have got to reorient myself to the reality of life beyond this brief, blink-and-you-miss-it life.
I guess that what I am trying to get at is something that I have been saying for years; I do not want to strip words of their potency. Forever is a word with great potency and the danger of parabolic speaking is exactly that words lost so much of their potency. I want to behave, being someone who believes in forever, as though 'forever' means forever. That has got to be my prerogative. I do not want to act as though I can settle for 'a very very long time;' that is not the truth. I want to live and live well and live as though my life affects forever. Eighty years seems like too little of an amount of time to waste in the grand scheme of eternity, but possibly not in the grand scheme of 'a very very long time,' and therein lies the danger. Something that has no end is something that we as humans do not even have a reference for; everything ends. It is quite literally incomprehensible simply because our brains do not function in such a way as to be able to understand it.
This is not a matter of 'try harder in your attempt to understand the true definition of this word,' it is instead a matter of acting as if forever is true and real. Time will only tell what the consequences to believing and acting in this manner are.
On the lighter side: I have been enjoying cold brew coffee very much this year and I think that it is the best way to make coffee. Not only does it taste better, but it is lower acidity so it is healthier as well. It takes a tiny bit of foresight, but overall I think that it is worth it and the benefits far outweigh the small cost, especially because you can still get bed coffee anywhere. Cold brew can also make bad coffee tasty!
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Ru-May-Nations: 2
Nostalgia: a sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations.
Hope: a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen.
These are the two sensations that I currently find myself stuck between, past and future. It is strange right now, but I am not very presently focused. Whether or not this is good is an issue that can be addressed and I would be willing to listen to arguments either way, but right now I am trying to find a balance between past and future.
Past: I have always been pretty nostalgic, one going so far as to call me a nostalgia whore, and he was 100 percent correct in his assessment. I yearn not only for previous times of my life, but for previous times period; I am enamored by the 1950s and very much miss the 1990s. This will always be true of me. However, right now I have been ruminating for some time about my college years, especially my senior year and a little before and the people that I was friends with, the sensations that I experienced back then, then hopes that I had, and ultimately the life that I lived. Granted, I am super thankful for the life that I currently lead and I consider myself entirely blessed, but there is a lot of good I used to do and a lot of good people that I was friends with and I miss the presence of those people in my life. Ultimately, there is nothing that I can do about this, but it does not change the emotions and heart strings connected with these people. That there is no changing and it is one of the reasons that I tend to run from my emotions, for fear that the overwhelming feeling that I often get when thinking about people of utterly missing them will come streaming back and there will remain what some people might call 'sadness'. I am not really sure what sadness is, but I think that it is akin to this type of feeling, knowing that there are good people with whom my relationship is not now and may not ever be the same. Consequently, I have allowed my mind some time to gallivant about in the past, seeking memories and orientations that I have long since not been in contact with. Another way that this nostalgia plays into my mind is trying to remember what type of person I was. I am and always do put a huge emphasis on not being selfish and I sometimes wonder if I am being too selfish (see present). I feel that if I allow myself to dwell at least partially in this nostalgia, then it will allow me to take the best parts of who I was and allow them to shine now. Nostalgia has purpose, but even independent of that I have felt it very acutely lately.
Present: I often spend mental energy wondering what type of a person I am being to others and spend a fair amount of time being self-inspective. This can get overwhelming, so the fact that I have been most focused on past and future lately has been a welcome change.
Future: 'What does my future hold?' This is the question that has been bouncing around my head lately. My future beyond next year (June of 2016 to be exact) is nothing more than a giant question mark. I know some very very general things that I want to accomplish or that I value but the context that this takes in my life is a question that does not appear to be readily answered. It is in some sense exciting to be able to go anywhere and do anything, and I have a lot of hope because at the time I will be 25 with so much in front of me and my only really strong, motivating passions are the ones to love God and love others. I can do that in a number of ways and I am not glued to something very specific. However, one thing I do know is that at that time I will quit my job and find something that I am more passionate about. I love that God has given me hope and even excitement over what lies ahead despite it being very unknown and even a tad (and perhaps more than) fearful. What is most frightening about it is that I may not by that time be as good of a man as I would like to be, that I may not be willing to put in the effort that a life that I would like to live takes. But, 'perfect love casts out fear', and what is else is that it takes hope. What my mind has been playing with is the excitement, the possibilities, but the hope is a necessity, the hope must accompany the other sensations to calm and quell the fear. I love this emotion because it really does allow my mind to play quite an enjoyable little game of 'what if?'
Ultimately, these are the two sensations that I have felt myself vacillating between. Both are great sensations (for the record I intentionally use that word over 'emotion'. To me 'sensation' is more of a technical term denoting state of mind or current state of being rather than 'emotion', which I liken as something closer to feeling.) which makes this time of my life a pretty enjoyable one, and as I said, it is a nice change of pace to not fret over the type of person that I am right now. Revisiting past and also visiting future possibilities have been something that I greatly enjoy and that has been healthy. Not really sure if there is anything to glean from this, just more of a state of the blogger.
On the lighter side: I have really been enjoying the x-files. 4+ seasons in and it is a show that seems to be tailor made for me. I have been thoroughly enjoyed the chemistry between Scully and Mulder and although the show follows a pretty predictable format and some episodes are more gruesome than I would like, it does have a dry sense of humor which contributes to the tone of the show and the 90s nostalgia is great as well, from the fashion to the lingo. I am looking forward to marching through the rest of the episodes and seeing how this primary relationship evolves and if the little teases that they have been dropping throughout the show pay off at all.
Hope: a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen.
These are the two sensations that I currently find myself stuck between, past and future. It is strange right now, but I am not very presently focused. Whether or not this is good is an issue that can be addressed and I would be willing to listen to arguments either way, but right now I am trying to find a balance between past and future.
Past: I have always been pretty nostalgic, one going so far as to call me a nostalgia whore, and he was 100 percent correct in his assessment. I yearn not only for previous times of my life, but for previous times period; I am enamored by the 1950s and very much miss the 1990s. This will always be true of me. However, right now I have been ruminating for some time about my college years, especially my senior year and a little before and the people that I was friends with, the sensations that I experienced back then, then hopes that I had, and ultimately the life that I lived. Granted, I am super thankful for the life that I currently lead and I consider myself entirely blessed, but there is a lot of good I used to do and a lot of good people that I was friends with and I miss the presence of those people in my life. Ultimately, there is nothing that I can do about this, but it does not change the emotions and heart strings connected with these people. That there is no changing and it is one of the reasons that I tend to run from my emotions, for fear that the overwhelming feeling that I often get when thinking about people of utterly missing them will come streaming back and there will remain what some people might call 'sadness'. I am not really sure what sadness is, but I think that it is akin to this type of feeling, knowing that there are good people with whom my relationship is not now and may not ever be the same. Consequently, I have allowed my mind some time to gallivant about in the past, seeking memories and orientations that I have long since not been in contact with. Another way that this nostalgia plays into my mind is trying to remember what type of person I was. I am and always do put a huge emphasis on not being selfish and I sometimes wonder if I am being too selfish (see present). I feel that if I allow myself to dwell at least partially in this nostalgia, then it will allow me to take the best parts of who I was and allow them to shine now. Nostalgia has purpose, but even independent of that I have felt it very acutely lately.
Present: I often spend mental energy wondering what type of a person I am being to others and spend a fair amount of time being self-inspective. This can get overwhelming, so the fact that I have been most focused on past and future lately has been a welcome change.
Future: 'What does my future hold?' This is the question that has been bouncing around my head lately. My future beyond next year (June of 2016 to be exact) is nothing more than a giant question mark. I know some very very general things that I want to accomplish or that I value but the context that this takes in my life is a question that does not appear to be readily answered. It is in some sense exciting to be able to go anywhere and do anything, and I have a lot of hope because at the time I will be 25 with so much in front of me and my only really strong, motivating passions are the ones to love God and love others. I can do that in a number of ways and I am not glued to something very specific. However, one thing I do know is that at that time I will quit my job and find something that I am more passionate about. I love that God has given me hope and even excitement over what lies ahead despite it being very unknown and even a tad (and perhaps more than) fearful. What is most frightening about it is that I may not by that time be as good of a man as I would like to be, that I may not be willing to put in the effort that a life that I would like to live takes. But, 'perfect love casts out fear', and what is else is that it takes hope. What my mind has been playing with is the excitement, the possibilities, but the hope is a necessity, the hope must accompany the other sensations to calm and quell the fear. I love this emotion because it really does allow my mind to play quite an enjoyable little game of 'what if?'
Ultimately, these are the two sensations that I have felt myself vacillating between. Both are great sensations (for the record I intentionally use that word over 'emotion'. To me 'sensation' is more of a technical term denoting state of mind or current state of being rather than 'emotion', which I liken as something closer to feeling.) which makes this time of my life a pretty enjoyable one, and as I said, it is a nice change of pace to not fret over the type of person that I am right now. Revisiting past and also visiting future possibilities have been something that I greatly enjoy and that has been healthy. Not really sure if there is anything to glean from this, just more of a state of the blogger.
On the lighter side: I have really been enjoying the x-files. 4+ seasons in and it is a show that seems to be tailor made for me. I have been thoroughly enjoyed the chemistry between Scully and Mulder and although the show follows a pretty predictable format and some episodes are more gruesome than I would like, it does have a dry sense of humor which contributes to the tone of the show and the 90s nostalgia is great as well, from the fashion to the lingo. I am looking forward to marching through the rest of the episodes and seeing how this primary relationship evolves and if the little teases that they have been dropping throughout the show pay off at all.
Monday, May 11, 2015
Ru-May-Nations: 1
Ruminate: to think deeply.
May: the current month. A month which, despite being less than half-way through, has been quite a doozy so far. I think it prudent for me to take some time to post some of my thoughts. This might be a one-time post, I may do more, depends primarily on if my passion changes. Honestly though, I have been looking for a passion that is going to get me back into blogging. Disclaimer before I start-these ruminations are not meant to change anything or even necessarily meant to arrive at some sort of conclusion or destination. They are deep thoughts, maybe about me, maybe about life, or perhaps both.
The beginning of May was my birthday during which several of my housemates and a few close friends took me down to LA to one of my favorite places to eat and just enjoyed the day with me (as well as buying me a brand-new computer on which I now type). It was really a great time and all that I want out of any birthday is just to spend it with people who are close to me, regardless of what we are doing. It did help me to realize how utterly loved I am and, and without it being my intention to sound smug here, rightfully so. I do not think that I am better than anybody, but it is true that in relationships you get out what you put in. Now, if nobody had done anything for me birthday, it would have been of little consequence to me; but the fact that they did something and tried to tailor it to my liking and were very intentional about it, that showed me they care. I have made it my business, crusade even, to show people that I care for them, at least those that I do. I have tried do be above reproach in my relationships and give as much as I can to them. This comes at a sacrifice, but a sacrifice that I am always willing to make. I am willing to pursue and push when others are not in the habit of doing so, to try to love in small ways that I know how to in an attempt to show others that relationships and people are so vitally important. I am starting to drag on, and that is not my intention. I do not at all mean to puff myself up. Only to say that as somebody who often struggles to feel love from others and loved from others, my birthday was entirely refreshing. Now, I am not saying that people do not love me, they always and often do, but to get such a practical helping of that all in one day is like receiving a message with an exclamation point on it.
Relationships are important is what I am trying to say. Put the effort in because it is worth it, not so that you get great gifts on your birthday, but so that the love between you and others is real, tangible, practical, and secure. Do not wait for others to love you, love and love and love and love, and if you do not see others returning, consider putting your efforts elsewhere or think about the worthwhileness of your endeavors. Nevertheless, dive into relationships with all of the energy that you can.
However, I have found this May that the exception to the rule: 'you get out of relationships what you put in' is in long-distance relationships. Most people are pretty terrible at long-distance relationships because humans are out-of-sight, out-of-mind creatures. I again try to be above reproach in this and be actually good at staying in contact with people. If you want to know how this is possible, contact me privately, because there are systems that can be set up. (As an aside, the importance of systems in my life is paramount. I would not be able to do everything that I desire to without systems and the discipline to stick thereto with anything more than fantasized efficiency). It is often frustrating to call and text and call and receive no reply. But my response is to continue because every time a conversation does pop up it is so refreshing. I choose friends carefully and so I want to keep the ones that I may not have the benefit of being in close geographical proximity to, again with much effort and repetition involved. But often in long-distance friendships even if I in everything that I can, I may not get out much if the other person is not giving much. There is always a part of the conversation which transpires as "I have been terrible at keeping in contact with people lately." I have chosen to forgive this, and I assure you, if you are friends with quality people (even if they happen to be quality people who are not good at keeping in contact whether close or far) the effort is worth it.
Let me just summarize by saying this: this post was not meant to pump me up. I am 24 years old now and I do not need to pump myself up on the internet. It would even be foolish to do so because I have not even measured up to my own standard and there is still a lifetime of growth ahead of me in this and I am very aware of my shortcomings. I am not the bees-knees. It is to say that I am very thankful for the plethora of quality relationships that I have been gifted with in my life, but calling them a gift may be misleading to the reader (assuming that there is one besides the author) because they only exist after much effort. You get out what you put in...mostly.
On the lighter side:
I finished Surprised by Joy by C. S. Lewis. I very much enjoyed it. He is a master logician and one of the most thorough and well thought-out thinkers of the past 100 years. It was enthralling to get an insight into the events and mindsets that aided in developing such a mind. His imagination and learnedness was on full-display and I would highly recommend getting the insight into the mind of a master thinker and story-teller, even if you do not believe what he believes.
May: the current month. A month which, despite being less than half-way through, has been quite a doozy so far. I think it prudent for me to take some time to post some of my thoughts. This might be a one-time post, I may do more, depends primarily on if my passion changes. Honestly though, I have been looking for a passion that is going to get me back into blogging. Disclaimer before I start-these ruminations are not meant to change anything or even necessarily meant to arrive at some sort of conclusion or destination. They are deep thoughts, maybe about me, maybe about life, or perhaps both.
The beginning of May was my birthday during which several of my housemates and a few close friends took me down to LA to one of my favorite places to eat and just enjoyed the day with me (as well as buying me a brand-new computer on which I now type). It was really a great time and all that I want out of any birthday is just to spend it with people who are close to me, regardless of what we are doing. It did help me to realize how utterly loved I am and, and without it being my intention to sound smug here, rightfully so. I do not think that I am better than anybody, but it is true that in relationships you get out what you put in. Now, if nobody had done anything for me birthday, it would have been of little consequence to me; but the fact that they did something and tried to tailor it to my liking and were very intentional about it, that showed me they care. I have made it my business, crusade even, to show people that I care for them, at least those that I do. I have tried do be above reproach in my relationships and give as much as I can to them. This comes at a sacrifice, but a sacrifice that I am always willing to make. I am willing to pursue and push when others are not in the habit of doing so, to try to love in small ways that I know how to in an attempt to show others that relationships and people are so vitally important. I am starting to drag on, and that is not my intention. I do not at all mean to puff myself up. Only to say that as somebody who often struggles to feel love from others and loved from others, my birthday was entirely refreshing. Now, I am not saying that people do not love me, they always and often do, but to get such a practical helping of that all in one day is like receiving a message with an exclamation point on it.
Relationships are important is what I am trying to say. Put the effort in because it is worth it, not so that you get great gifts on your birthday, but so that the love between you and others is real, tangible, practical, and secure. Do not wait for others to love you, love and love and love and love, and if you do not see others returning, consider putting your efforts elsewhere or think about the worthwhileness of your endeavors. Nevertheless, dive into relationships with all of the energy that you can.
However, I have found this May that the exception to the rule: 'you get out of relationships what you put in' is in long-distance relationships. Most people are pretty terrible at long-distance relationships because humans are out-of-sight, out-of-mind creatures. I again try to be above reproach in this and be actually good at staying in contact with people. If you want to know how this is possible, contact me privately, because there are systems that can be set up. (As an aside, the importance of systems in my life is paramount. I would not be able to do everything that I desire to without systems and the discipline to stick thereto with anything more than fantasized efficiency). It is often frustrating to call and text and call and receive no reply. But my response is to continue because every time a conversation does pop up it is so refreshing. I choose friends carefully and so I want to keep the ones that I may not have the benefit of being in close geographical proximity to, again with much effort and repetition involved. But often in long-distance friendships even if I in everything that I can, I may not get out much if the other person is not giving much. There is always a part of the conversation which transpires as "I have been terrible at keeping in contact with people lately." I have chosen to forgive this, and I assure you, if you are friends with quality people (even if they happen to be quality people who are not good at keeping in contact whether close or far) the effort is worth it.
Let me just summarize by saying this: this post was not meant to pump me up. I am 24 years old now and I do not need to pump myself up on the internet. It would even be foolish to do so because I have not even measured up to my own standard and there is still a lifetime of growth ahead of me in this and I am very aware of my shortcomings. I am not the bees-knees. It is to say that I am very thankful for the plethora of quality relationships that I have been gifted with in my life, but calling them a gift may be misleading to the reader (assuming that there is one besides the author) because they only exist after much effort. You get out what you put in...mostly.
On the lighter side:
I finished Surprised by Joy by C. S. Lewis. I very much enjoyed it. He is a master logician and one of the most thorough and well thought-out thinkers of the past 100 years. It was enthralling to get an insight into the events and mindsets that aided in developing such a mind. His imagination and learnedness was on full-display and I would highly recommend getting the insight into the mind of a master thinker and story-teller, even if you do not believe what he believes.
Friday, January 16, 2015
Meditations on Thankfulness: Day 9
"Thanksgiving enables us to be fully present in each of the moments of our lives and, at the same time, be fully present to the eternity which is crashing into those moments (for those who have eyes to see). We have the ability to resist the culture of despair by bearing witness to life and hope! Cynicism loosens its smugly fearful, icy grip, warmed by winds of thanks."
This will be my final day meditating on thankfulness. To be honest, I need to move on. When I started this project, it was just something that sounded like a good idea to me. It was a good idea. But thankfulness is no longer what I am focusing on. Perhaps I will choose another meditation next, like discipline or maybe joy. Perhaps I will take a break. This was a very enriching project partly because I had no idea where it was going to take me or what form the thankfulness was going to take. I figured that for this final post, I would go over some of the lessons that I learned. However, if you want to do that, you can simply go back and read the previous posts.
I will however, leave with a final note: thankfulness is vitally important and vitally under-appreciated in our society. Again, I was going to explicate this further, but this has been what this whole project has been about, and I need not tread where I have already journeyed. I will say that the reason that I am moving on is because I am not currently passionate about an attitude of thankfulness, or at least writing about it and thus I am currently unwilling to give it the effortfull thought that it requires. But I am excited for two things: that I stuck to this project and to see what my next project will be.
I do hope that you learned something from this; actually, scratch that, I hope that you grew and became a better person through my subtle, gentle meditations. If not, it was still a healthy project for me to do. Thank you for reading if you have.
This has been the 9th and final day meditating on thankfulness.
This will be my final day meditating on thankfulness. To be honest, I need to move on. When I started this project, it was just something that sounded like a good idea to me. It was a good idea. But thankfulness is no longer what I am focusing on. Perhaps I will choose another meditation next, like discipline or maybe joy. Perhaps I will take a break. This was a very enriching project partly because I had no idea where it was going to take me or what form the thankfulness was going to take. I figured that for this final post, I would go over some of the lessons that I learned. However, if you want to do that, you can simply go back and read the previous posts.
I will however, leave with a final note: thankfulness is vitally important and vitally under-appreciated in our society. Again, I was going to explicate this further, but this has been what this whole project has been about, and I need not tread where I have already journeyed. I will say that the reason that I am moving on is because I am not currently passionate about an attitude of thankfulness, or at least writing about it and thus I am currently unwilling to give it the effortfull thought that it requires. But I am excited for two things: that I stuck to this project and to see what my next project will be.
I do hope that you learned something from this; actually, scratch that, I hope that you grew and became a better person through my subtle, gentle meditations. If not, it was still a healthy project for me to do. Thank you for reading if you have.
This has been the 9th and final day meditating on thankfulness.
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
Meditations on Thankfulness: Day 8
"Thanksgiving enables us to be fully present in each of the moments of our lives and, at the same time, be fully present to the eternity which is crashing into those moments (for those who have eyes to see). We have the ability to resist the culture of despair by bearing witness to life and hope! Cynicism loosens its smugly fearful, icy grip, warmed by winds of thanks."
For posterity's sake, I figured that I would spend this time giving some practical examples from my recent life. The first comes from a couple of weeks ago when I was nodding off to sleep. The guy who currently sleeps next to me has had a vicious cough for the last several weeks and on this particular night, he was coughing particularly hard. Instead of being agitated at the distraction, I chose to be thankful and let my mind play within the realm of thankfulness. It got to the point that I became so thankful that I have good health, that my body has a great immune system, and that I have access, if I were to need it, to pristine medical facilities. All of this thankfulness, which gave way to joy, was created simply from the harsh cough of my roommate.
Another time, I was on my way to work, utterly thankful that I have a job. Every time that I see people who are looking for a job or are utterly without one, I am thankful again that I have a job and one that does a fairly adequate job of providing for me. Just simply allowing myself to go down this path resulted in not only a joy but also a desire to share the profits therefrom with those who do not possess a job.
I guess the point of this post is merely to illuminate that these things that I have been discussing are not just nice ideals, but can in fact invigorate you.
This has been the eighth day meditating on thankfulness.
For posterity's sake, I figured that I would spend this time giving some practical examples from my recent life. The first comes from a couple of weeks ago when I was nodding off to sleep. The guy who currently sleeps next to me has had a vicious cough for the last several weeks and on this particular night, he was coughing particularly hard. Instead of being agitated at the distraction, I chose to be thankful and let my mind play within the realm of thankfulness. It got to the point that I became so thankful that I have good health, that my body has a great immune system, and that I have access, if I were to need it, to pristine medical facilities. All of this thankfulness, which gave way to joy, was created simply from the harsh cough of my roommate.
Another time, I was on my way to work, utterly thankful that I have a job. Every time that I see people who are looking for a job or are utterly without one, I am thankful again that I have a job and one that does a fairly adequate job of providing for me. Just simply allowing myself to go down this path resulted in not only a joy but also a desire to share the profits therefrom with those who do not possess a job.
I guess the point of this post is merely to illuminate that these things that I have been discussing are not just nice ideals, but can in fact invigorate you.
This has been the eighth day meditating on thankfulness.
Sunday, January 4, 2015
Meditations on Thankfulness: Day 7
"Thanksgiving enables us to be fully present in each of the moments of our lives and, at the same time, be fully present to the eternity which is crashing into those moments (for those who have eyes to see). We have the ability to resist the culture of despair by bearing witness to life and hope! Cynicism loosens its smugly fearful, icy grip, warmed by winds of thanks."
Throughout this venture, I have kept talking about all of the benefits of thankfulness. However, might there be negatives? The only one that is on my mind right now, and the purpose of this post, is the idea of complacency. I think that thankfulness as an attitude should motivate you to act, however I have also frequently discussed the idea of being firmly content with what you have, even for small things. I think when that fails is when that contentment grows into complacency and leads you to not try to improve things when they are not as great as they could be. Do not get me wrong: complacency and contentment are not the same thing. But, if thankfulness leads to complacency then it can be said that it has a negative consequence.
However, I do not think that this is a natural outcome of thankfulness. The contrary is a reality wherein you are so thankful for something that you desire to make it great, make it better. It is in this that the secret to defeating complacency, which some may say is a natural by-product of thankfulness, lies. Thankfulness can lead to a burning desire to be great, just as much as it can lead to complacency.
This all begs the question: where does the line form? Where is the line between contentment and complacency, between a lazy, eyes-closed satisfaction and a burning desire to be great that has resulted from thankfulness? Right now, I do not have the answer to this question. I believe that it is a case-by-case scenario and that perhaps I will find the answer in further meditation, but perhaps the line is an invisible one. I just encourage everyone to be thankful, and be a man/woman of action and of greatness because of your thankfulness, not of lazy complacency.
This has been the seventh day meditating of thankfulness.
Throughout this venture, I have kept talking about all of the benefits of thankfulness. However, might there be negatives? The only one that is on my mind right now, and the purpose of this post, is the idea of complacency. I think that thankfulness as an attitude should motivate you to act, however I have also frequently discussed the idea of being firmly content with what you have, even for small things. I think when that fails is when that contentment grows into complacency and leads you to not try to improve things when they are not as great as they could be. Do not get me wrong: complacency and contentment are not the same thing. But, if thankfulness leads to complacency then it can be said that it has a negative consequence.
However, I do not think that this is a natural outcome of thankfulness. The contrary is a reality wherein you are so thankful for something that you desire to make it great, make it better. It is in this that the secret to defeating complacency, which some may say is a natural by-product of thankfulness, lies. Thankfulness can lead to a burning desire to be great, just as much as it can lead to complacency.
This all begs the question: where does the line form? Where is the line between contentment and complacency, between a lazy, eyes-closed satisfaction and a burning desire to be great that has resulted from thankfulness? Right now, I do not have the answer to this question. I believe that it is a case-by-case scenario and that perhaps I will find the answer in further meditation, but perhaps the line is an invisible one. I just encourage everyone to be thankful, and be a man/woman of action and of greatness because of your thankfulness, not of lazy complacency.
This has been the seventh day meditating of thankfulness.
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