Each one of us is different. We have different histories, mindsets, thought processes, interests, and looks. I might have blue eyes, while you have brown. Your hair might be dirty blonde, mine is brown. I might be not so good looking, you might be the best looking person around. Everyone knows this is so, correct? The one problem that many of us have is accepting those differences. Temptation to judge others comes from that inability to accept.
This struck me while watching and reading recent Olympics coverage. If you do not know, the Winter Olympics are currently being held in Vancouver, Canada.
Here is a link to some NBC's late night coverage featuring Stephen Colbert. Copy and paste it to the top of your web page to get there. You may have to download an application for it as well.
http://www.nbcolympics.com/video/assetid=3f28aedd-76c9-457f-abe6-68e0646a20e5.html
If it didn't work, the feature basically shows Colbert making fun of Canadians, saying they are quote "uninsultable," all while wearing a red and black Canadian Mountie uniform...he is mocking the country.
After watching that, read this article by Rick Reilly...
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=reilly_rick&id=4906756
These are two of the most beloved personalities in the media today. I don't mind listening or laughing with either, but if you really look at these examples, how would you feel if someone made fun of your way of life? I'm kind of disappointed in both.
I'm all for playful ribbing every once in awhile, but never at the expense of my customs or traditions. I love America, but these two examples are demeaning to the entire country of Canada, and three fourths of the audience will miss that. It's another way of saying the US is better than everyone else. It's not. Other countries have a lot to offer, and you would be fascinated with the way some places operate. That's what makes the Olympics special, you can get a brief taste of how different people of different origins act in one place. Let's accept that and let it grow to every day of the year.
We as a people need to accept that other cultures are different than ours, and then break that down to our individual interactions every day. Someone might be different than you, but that doesn't mean their way of life is wrong, or that yours is right. It's just the way it is. Only God knows the right way to live, and the only person to completely live the right way to this point in time was really just His Son, Jesus.
A lot of people have it worse than you and me, so that doesn't mean we should rub it in their face and make fun of them for that. Why not help them? Why not become friends with that one person who rubbed you the wrong way just because of what they believed? The may be more like you than you think.
Some people might not like my hair, or the way I wear my jeans, or the way I practice my beliefs in my everyday life, but that doesn't mean they have to ignore me, or that I have to ignore them. It is a challenge, we all know this, but everyone lives their lives much differently from one another. It would be pretty boring if everyone did the same thing.
Picture yourself in some kind of social setting. Jokes and laughs are always plentiful...by all means have a fun time. Can't it get nasty sometimes though, maybe even offensive? Having fun at the expense of others is fun for everyone...except the person being offended. It might not seem like that big of a deal, and most of the time it's not. Those targeted may be feeling a touch of hurt deep down though.
For example, I get made fun of quite a bit...and somehow have earned the nickname "Grandpa". Nothing wrong with that. Grandpas are great. I could be called much worse things. If someone were to ever seclude me or keep me out of their group because of that though, that's a different story. It hasn't happened in my case, but all of the time good individuals are ostricized in their own group of friends just because they are different.
It's tempting to join in isn't it? We've all given in. If you want to look at the right way to do it, just look at this week's Gospel. Jesus is tempted three times by the devil, and never wavers. Try to be like Jesus and not even flinch. Recognize when the temptation is there. It's when something shouldn't feel quite right in your mind. Putting yourself out there when it's not exactly the most popular thing to do is truly living the way Jesus wanted us to live. His entire public work was based on that, and don't be worried about secluding yourself and losing friends. Look at Jesus, he had quite the following of apostles and disciples.
Most importantly, look inside yourself. This past weekend, I was in my home parish, St. James Church. Father Peter Worn spoke about us recognizing that we do need help. If we are arrogant, cocky, or overconfident about our ability to stand up to temptation, we won't do very well. We need God. He helps us stand up to anything that tempts us, and we need to recognize that he makes us that strong. We can't do it by ourselves.
Keep walking with God in this first full week of Lent. We aren't perfect, but by realizing our own weaknesses we will be able to appreciate everything that is different from our own way of living. God is always there, and will be with us through any of the bad temptations that breed from those differences. Do what makes you the happiest, but not at the expense of people you don't know quite enough about. Jesus stood up to all temptation, and He was a human just like us.
So, why can't we do it too?
Monday, February 22, 2010
Monday, February 15, 2010
Primetime
This week we will welcome Lent, the holiest time of year. Are you ready? You don't really have to be...yet. Starting on Ash Wednesday, your next forty days and forty nights should be different than your last forty days and forty nights. Hopefully, over this time period, we will all change for the better and for good.
That's the thing about Lent. Often, people do what they can for forty days...and then go right back to their normal everyday lives. We can't just forget Lent on Easter morning. That's what makes Easter one of the highlights of the Church year. It's a good feeling on that day to know Jesus rose from the dead, isn't it? But we need every day of Lent to build up to Easter, and then remember that for the rest of the year.
So, thinking about how to properly do that...I remembered a piece of a homily that was given maybe a ten to fifteen years ago in my old church, St. Matthews in East Syracuse, NY. Monsignor Lavin, God rest his soul, was known for his repetition of words, and after all these years I remember one of his homilies distinctly. After all these years it's pretty impressive on both of our parts I must say. But anyways on that day he spoke about the little things in life, and I remember these words well...
"It's like a snowball...a snowball. Rolling down the mountain..."
You may not know, but all 50 states had some kind of snow sitting on the grass somewhere in the state a few days ago. I'm not trying to make any political global warming/climate change statements, but this reference should be pretty universal at this point in time. Anyways, a snowball gets bigger and bigger and moves faster and faster as it travels down the mountain....
...which translates to something that could be either really good, or something not so good. It is all based on the decisions you make in your life. Bad decisions can grow inside of people, and once they make one, it becomes a lot easier to justify and make another. This is how people's lives spiral out of control, and the only way of stopping that is either doing it themselves or getting hurt and hitting a brick wall. Kind of like the whole idea of what goes around comes around, but that's for another blog at another time. If you are trapped like that, what better time than Lent to make that one good decision that will turn your life around?
Many people are in that situation, where they simply can't get out of the rut they are in. They look for anything to justify what they are doing. But, other signs from God should tell them that they need to get out of that rut. I'm here to take a shot at translating those signs.
One slogan that puts decision making in a nut shell is: Sometimes you have to do something you don't want to do. I don't really know if I saw it on a bumper sticker, or if it just came to me through divine intervention, but it's stuck close to me in my life these past few years. Keep that in mind...
Rocky Balboa says, "Life ain't all sunshine and rainbows," which it's not. To come as close to being happy as possible, you have to make those little decisions that you really don't want to make. If your snowball isn't looking too good at this point, it might be time to make a decision that you don't really want to. You might not want to sign up for a certain tough course, or tell your family a difficult confession, or even eat a salad instead of a jelly donut. I'm sure everyone has or will have a situation like this facing them, and often the toughest decision to make is the right one. We rely on God to tell us whether or not it is right. If it is, life will turn around, if it's not, He will send us signs telling us to go in a different direction. Rest easy...we have more than one chance, as Jesus says to "...forgive seven times seventy..." That's a reassuring and relaxing thought.
That hope of having your life go in the best direction is right in front of you. God ensures you that it is never gone. Sometimes, one small, good decision can make a huge impact on the rest of your week, month, year, and even your life. It might be going to church more than once during the week, or choosing to call an old friend. I'm sure its happened before, but we tend not to think about as it is happening. Goodness is contagious, and by making one good decision, it's a lot easier to make another one, and then another one. It doesn't hurt that it puts you in the good Graces of God either. That's the snowball you are looking for.
To reference another movie, "Evan Almighty" actually has a pretty solid message throughout the film. It's a modern day story of Noah's Ark, and God, played by Morgan Freeman, reassures Noah(Steve Carell) that one simple act of random kindness at a time can change the world. Why not start that on Ash Wednesday? See someone walking and walk with them, or if you are driving give them a lift to their destination. Have an eye for human suffering and address it by talking to those who are hurting. Hold the door open, even if it means you are awkwardly standing there for more than two seconds. Compliments aren't bad either. I love it when people say, "Nice sweater." Well, in that instance, they may be making fun of me, but I'll take it as a compliment. Regardless, all of that means something. After forty days, those acts will be plentiful, and the surplus will spill over to everyone in the community around you. It will also spill over beyond Easter. The entire planet may not be changing, but by doing that in your own world you are starting somewhere.
So, set a precedent for yourself this Lent. Don't give just an hour a week to God, give two or three. Get involved in your Catholic Community. Everyone is busy, but you can't be too busy for God. He is never too busy for you. Kind of makes you think doesn't it? Maybe I'll touch on this again after Easter, but like I say above, one of the most important parts of Lent is to carry what you've built beyond that forty days, and to the rest of the days of your life as well.
And by thinking every day of how to make good decisions through small random acts of kindness, your good snowball may just turn into an avalanche.
That's the thing about Lent. Often, people do what they can for forty days...and then go right back to their normal everyday lives. We can't just forget Lent on Easter morning. That's what makes Easter one of the highlights of the Church year. It's a good feeling on that day to know Jesus rose from the dead, isn't it? But we need every day of Lent to build up to Easter, and then remember that for the rest of the year.
So, thinking about how to properly do that...I remembered a piece of a homily that was given maybe a ten to fifteen years ago in my old church, St. Matthews in East Syracuse, NY. Monsignor Lavin, God rest his soul, was known for his repetition of words, and after all these years I remember one of his homilies distinctly. After all these years it's pretty impressive on both of our parts I must say. But anyways on that day he spoke about the little things in life, and I remember these words well...
"It's like a snowball...a snowball. Rolling down the mountain..."
You may not know, but all 50 states had some kind of snow sitting on the grass somewhere in the state a few days ago. I'm not trying to make any political global warming/climate change statements, but this reference should be pretty universal at this point in time. Anyways, a snowball gets bigger and bigger and moves faster and faster as it travels down the mountain....
...which translates to something that could be either really good, or something not so good. It is all based on the decisions you make in your life. Bad decisions can grow inside of people, and once they make one, it becomes a lot easier to justify and make another. This is how people's lives spiral out of control, and the only way of stopping that is either doing it themselves or getting hurt and hitting a brick wall. Kind of like the whole idea of what goes around comes around, but that's for another blog at another time. If you are trapped like that, what better time than Lent to make that one good decision that will turn your life around?
Many people are in that situation, where they simply can't get out of the rut they are in. They look for anything to justify what they are doing. But, other signs from God should tell them that they need to get out of that rut. I'm here to take a shot at translating those signs.
One slogan that puts decision making in a nut shell is: Sometimes you have to do something you don't want to do. I don't really know if I saw it on a bumper sticker, or if it just came to me through divine intervention, but it's stuck close to me in my life these past few years. Keep that in mind...
Rocky Balboa says, "Life ain't all sunshine and rainbows," which it's not. To come as close to being happy as possible, you have to make those little decisions that you really don't want to make. If your snowball isn't looking too good at this point, it might be time to make a decision that you don't really want to. You might not want to sign up for a certain tough course, or tell your family a difficult confession, or even eat a salad instead of a jelly donut. I'm sure everyone has or will have a situation like this facing them, and often the toughest decision to make is the right one. We rely on God to tell us whether or not it is right. If it is, life will turn around, if it's not, He will send us signs telling us to go in a different direction. Rest easy...we have more than one chance, as Jesus says to "...forgive seven times seventy..." That's a reassuring and relaxing thought.
That hope of having your life go in the best direction is right in front of you. God ensures you that it is never gone. Sometimes, one small, good decision can make a huge impact on the rest of your week, month, year, and even your life. It might be going to church more than once during the week, or choosing to call an old friend. I'm sure its happened before, but we tend not to think about as it is happening. Goodness is contagious, and by making one good decision, it's a lot easier to make another one, and then another one. It doesn't hurt that it puts you in the good Graces of God either. That's the snowball you are looking for.
To reference another movie, "Evan Almighty" actually has a pretty solid message throughout the film. It's a modern day story of Noah's Ark, and God, played by Morgan Freeman, reassures Noah(Steve Carell) that one simple act of random kindness at a time can change the world. Why not start that on Ash Wednesday? See someone walking and walk with them, or if you are driving give them a lift to their destination. Have an eye for human suffering and address it by talking to those who are hurting. Hold the door open, even if it means you are awkwardly standing there for more than two seconds. Compliments aren't bad either. I love it when people say, "Nice sweater." Well, in that instance, they may be making fun of me, but I'll take it as a compliment. Regardless, all of that means something. After forty days, those acts will be plentiful, and the surplus will spill over to everyone in the community around you. It will also spill over beyond Easter. The entire planet may not be changing, but by doing that in your own world you are starting somewhere.
So, set a precedent for yourself this Lent. Don't give just an hour a week to God, give two or three. Get involved in your Catholic Community. Everyone is busy, but you can't be too busy for God. He is never too busy for you. Kind of makes you think doesn't it? Maybe I'll touch on this again after Easter, but like I say above, one of the most important parts of Lent is to carry what you've built beyond that forty days, and to the rest of the days of your life as well.
And by thinking every day of how to make good decisions through small random acts of kindness, your good snowball may just turn into an avalanche.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Valentine's Day
With Valentine's Day in less than a week, I think it's time to reflect a little bit on love. Some people hate the day, others love it. It's quite the polarizing holiday in our society. If you have a significant other I'm sure you enjoy getting the occasional Whitman's Sampler or diamond earrings. Those who have seen love through a different lens though, that of a broken heart, take a negative look on the day.
First off, the namesake of the day, Saint Valentine, had nothing to do with greeting cards or Cupid. He was a Christian martyr, obviously a great man. I'm sure many people didn't know that. But, as time goes on, things change, and now Valentine's Day is seen as a big money maker for the greeting card industry (See Hallmark).
Props to Saint Valentine, we should all follow his example in unending love for God. But I want to talk about our love for each other, and analyze what the Bible says about it. Those without a love life at this time, stay with me. This passage is from Corinthians 13, and is often recited at Weddings. Read it slowly.
"3If I give away everything I own, and if I hand my body over so that I may boast but do not have love, I gain nothing. 4Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, it is not pompous, it is not inflated, 5it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick tempered, it does not brood over injury, 6it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. 7It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8Love never fails...13So faith, hope, love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love."
For those who are heartbroken, you probably want to click to another website. But wait one second. It was Jesus who said "Love thy neighbor" right? Pretty sure he knew what he was talking about. Let's look at it deeper. Read it again, then look below.
...Love is patient, love is kind...
It's hard to be patient isn't it? I struggle with patience every day. It is easy to get annoyed with your friends and family. But the Bible says if you love them, you understand them, and won't jump and bite their head off. We have all done it. So, take an extra couple seconds next time you feel yourself getting impatient. It's hard, but just do it and see what happens.
...It is not jealous, it is not pompous...
Think of the last time you got jealous of your boyfriend/girlfriend when they talking to someone of the opposite sex or even just hanging out with their own friends. Well, I'm sorry, but you aren't supposed to feel that envy. Human nature tells us that we should be the only ones in their life, but isn't that a bit pompous? So, why not try living out of the box, and appreciating their ability to have friends and get along with a lot of people. You might just happen to get along with them too.
...it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth...
We've all done it. Fight with someone for absolutely no reason. I've had conversations with people who say they actually like it sometimes, I guess it gives them something to do. Try going on a walk or sharing a funny story instead. Truth is important too. Half-truths kill relationships. Loving each other means you shouldn't be scared to tell the truth. Sometimes it is the hardest part, but it will cause much less worry in the end.
...it endures all things. Love never fails...
God will never stop loving us. We know this. The full passage above tells us just how good God's love is. What about loving one another? If things fall through with an individual, was that really love? Above the Bible says love never fails, but I'm sure some people have felt that love has failed them. God doesn't fail though. He knows what kind of love is right for each and every one of us, and quite honestly we don't know what we want for the majority of our lives. Listen to Him trust me.
So, instead of forcing something that isn't quite there, take a step back. Don't get me wrong, if you feel like it is right with that person of your dreams go on and go for it. Do what makes you happy. But, if it doesn't work out after some futile tries, trust in God. It will work out. It might not be what you wanted at that point in time, but you'll thank Him down the road.
This coming Sunday, you might be happy, and you might be sad, but if you can, try as hard as you can to keep this bible passage in the back of your mind. It can apply to both your love for others, and God's love for you.
As I write this, I'm single. I probably haven't followed those guidelines that well either. I know I'm not perfect. But by surrounding myself with friends and family who do care about me, Valentine's Day will turn from a day of focusing on loving just one person to a day of remembering all of those people who truly do care for me.
By following this path, you too might realize that love is more than a "Fax Me" on a conversation heart.
First off, the namesake of the day, Saint Valentine, had nothing to do with greeting cards or Cupid. He was a Christian martyr, obviously a great man. I'm sure many people didn't know that. But, as time goes on, things change, and now Valentine's Day is seen as a big money maker for the greeting card industry (See Hallmark).
Props to Saint Valentine, we should all follow his example in unending love for God. But I want to talk about our love for each other, and analyze what the Bible says about it. Those without a love life at this time, stay with me. This passage is from Corinthians 13, and is often recited at Weddings. Read it slowly.
"3If I give away everything I own, and if I hand my body over so that I may boast but do not have love, I gain nothing. 4Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, it is not pompous, it is not inflated, 5it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick tempered, it does not brood over injury, 6it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. 7It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8Love never fails...13So faith, hope, love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love."
For those who are heartbroken, you probably want to click to another website. But wait one second. It was Jesus who said "Love thy neighbor" right? Pretty sure he knew what he was talking about. Let's look at it deeper. Read it again, then look below.
...Love is patient, love is kind...
It's hard to be patient isn't it? I struggle with patience every day. It is easy to get annoyed with your friends and family. But the Bible says if you love them, you understand them, and won't jump and bite their head off. We have all done it. So, take an extra couple seconds next time you feel yourself getting impatient. It's hard, but just do it and see what happens.
...It is not jealous, it is not pompous...
Think of the last time you got jealous of your boyfriend/girlfriend when they talking to someone of the opposite sex or even just hanging out with their own friends. Well, I'm sorry, but you aren't supposed to feel that envy. Human nature tells us that we should be the only ones in their life, but isn't that a bit pompous? So, why not try living out of the box, and appreciating their ability to have friends and get along with a lot of people. You might just happen to get along with them too.
...it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth...
We've all done it. Fight with someone for absolutely no reason. I've had conversations with people who say they actually like it sometimes, I guess it gives them something to do. Try going on a walk or sharing a funny story instead. Truth is important too. Half-truths kill relationships. Loving each other means you shouldn't be scared to tell the truth. Sometimes it is the hardest part, but it will cause much less worry in the end.
...it endures all things. Love never fails...
God will never stop loving us. We know this. The full passage above tells us just how good God's love is. What about loving one another? If things fall through with an individual, was that really love? Above the Bible says love never fails, but I'm sure some people have felt that love has failed them. God doesn't fail though. He knows what kind of love is right for each and every one of us, and quite honestly we don't know what we want for the majority of our lives. Listen to Him trust me.
So, instead of forcing something that isn't quite there, take a step back. Don't get me wrong, if you feel like it is right with that person of your dreams go on and go for it. Do what makes you happy. But, if it doesn't work out after some futile tries, trust in God. It will work out. It might not be what you wanted at that point in time, but you'll thank Him down the road.
This coming Sunday, you might be happy, and you might be sad, but if you can, try as hard as you can to keep this bible passage in the back of your mind. It can apply to both your love for others, and God's love for you.
As I write this, I'm single. I probably haven't followed those guidelines that well either. I know I'm not perfect. But by surrounding myself with friends and family who do care about me, Valentine's Day will turn from a day of focusing on loving just one person to a day of remembering all of those people who truly do care for me.
By following this path, you too might realize that love is more than a "Fax Me" on a conversation heart.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Putting the Community back in Catholic Community
Think about every person you walked by today on your way to work, class, or even to get a cup of coffee. There are a few things happening in that brief moment of your day.
Scenario #1: You glance at who it is quickly, to make sure you don't know them, and look away just as fast. You may pretend to check the time, look for something in your bag, fake a phone call, or all of a sudden realize how blue the sky can be...
Scenario #2: You stare. Possibly making eye contact, but fail to smile or even speak to the innocent bystander. They then walk by you, maybe even causing you to turn your head...
Scenario #3: You don't care who it is, and you look at them until they make eye contact. You greet that brief second with a smile and maybe a simple hello...
We all fall into the first two examples above time and time again. It is just something about human nature these days that zips our lips when confronted with another human. Sure, you might be shy. Nothing wrong with that. But what makes you feel better personally, a smile or a glare? Even in a bad mood, it might be worth making that effort at showing just a little grin, it might make you feel better.
This comes to mind on the heels of a reflection that Ithaca junior Samantha Wolfe gave at Muller Chapel on Sunday. She spoke about her experience working at Nazareth Farm over the winter recess. Nazareth Farm is a Catholic community in West Virginia that is kind of like a service/retreat opportunity for all kinds of people. Those that attend help with housing repair in the area.
Samantha emphasized very eloquently the simple idea of being a part of community while down there. She didn't know many people, but that didn't matter. At Nazareth Farm, being alive was basically a celebration. That's missing in the rest of society today.
Why not try Scenario #3 up above in your own travels? Every person has their own individual community. It's up to you make that community a healthy or depressing one. As Samantha pointed out, walking around with headphones blaring in your ears doesn't help...and yeah if you can't tell that's a pet peeve of mine too. You might find a friend or just a person to talk to along the way.
I never thought I would, but I actually did this the other day without even thinking about it. I had a good 20 minutes in between two classes, so I grabbed a yogurt parfait...don't ask why...and looked for somewhere to just sit and eat it. My first instinct was to find a comfortable chair so I could enjoy it alone. But, alas, every place to relax was taken. So, considering she was on a seat big enough for two people, I asked a girl on her laptop if I could sit next to her. Now, it's not what you think, I wasn't looking for a date or even a phone number. Though I was intensely focused on the oats in my yogurt, this girl started asking me about my day. A conversation ensued, and when the time came for class to start...I was in a better mood. I hope she was too. I asked her for just her name as I was leaving, and to be honest...I forgot it.
I think God was telling me that this was one of those times where names didn't matter, just being able to talk to someone I didn't know made all the difference. Think of how much more pleasant your life could be by recognizing those people around you as those filled with the Grace of God. By talking to them, you learn not only more about them, but yourself as well.
Now, I might not see that girl again, but I can still have a random conversation like that again. I know it's cliche, but it helps. Think about every person you've met. They all have an interesting story to tell.
It might start with that simple smile, or gesture of hello. By staying involved in the community around you, your outlook on life might get a bit more positive. Your life might not be the greatest at the time, but why not get excited for others in their successes?
That celebration of life is something you don't get by pretending to check the time.
Scenario #1: You glance at who it is quickly, to make sure you don't know them, and look away just as fast. You may pretend to check the time, look for something in your bag, fake a phone call, or all of a sudden realize how blue the sky can be...
Scenario #2: You stare. Possibly making eye contact, but fail to smile or even speak to the innocent bystander. They then walk by you, maybe even causing you to turn your head...
Scenario #3: You don't care who it is, and you look at them until they make eye contact. You greet that brief second with a smile and maybe a simple hello...
We all fall into the first two examples above time and time again. It is just something about human nature these days that zips our lips when confronted with another human. Sure, you might be shy. Nothing wrong with that. But what makes you feel better personally, a smile or a glare? Even in a bad mood, it might be worth making that effort at showing just a little grin, it might make you feel better.
This comes to mind on the heels of a reflection that Ithaca junior Samantha Wolfe gave at Muller Chapel on Sunday. She spoke about her experience working at Nazareth Farm over the winter recess. Nazareth Farm is a Catholic community in West Virginia that is kind of like a service/retreat opportunity for all kinds of people. Those that attend help with housing repair in the area.
Samantha emphasized very eloquently the simple idea of being a part of community while down there. She didn't know many people, but that didn't matter. At Nazareth Farm, being alive was basically a celebration. That's missing in the rest of society today.
Why not try Scenario #3 up above in your own travels? Every person has their own individual community. It's up to you make that community a healthy or depressing one. As Samantha pointed out, walking around with headphones blaring in your ears doesn't help...and yeah if you can't tell that's a pet peeve of mine too. You might find a friend or just a person to talk to along the way.
I never thought I would, but I actually did this the other day without even thinking about it. I had a good 20 minutes in between two classes, so I grabbed a yogurt parfait...don't ask why...and looked for somewhere to just sit and eat it. My first instinct was to find a comfortable chair so I could enjoy it alone. But, alas, every place to relax was taken. So, considering she was on a seat big enough for two people, I asked a girl on her laptop if I could sit next to her. Now, it's not what you think, I wasn't looking for a date or even a phone number. Though I was intensely focused on the oats in my yogurt, this girl started asking me about my day. A conversation ensued, and when the time came for class to start...I was in a better mood. I hope she was too. I asked her for just her name as I was leaving, and to be honest...I forgot it.
I think God was telling me that this was one of those times where names didn't matter, just being able to talk to someone I didn't know made all the difference. Think of how much more pleasant your life could be by recognizing those people around you as those filled with the Grace of God. By talking to them, you learn not only more about them, but yourself as well.
Now, I might not see that girl again, but I can still have a random conversation like that again. I know it's cliche, but it helps. Think about every person you've met. They all have an interesting story to tell.
It might start with that simple smile, or gesture of hello. By staying involved in the community around you, your outlook on life might get a bit more positive. Your life might not be the greatest at the time, but why not get excited for others in their successes?
That celebration of life is something you don't get by pretending to check the time.
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