Thursday, December 24, 2009

Terminal

As many of you know, I spend my fair share of time in airports. I am in an airport at least 4 times a year and at least 2 of those times, I have plenty of time to sit back and watch people. Well, yesterday I was once again in the airport; however, it was not for my flight, but rather I was there to meet my sister who was flying into Houston from Charlotte.

As I was waiting for her plane to land and for her to get to baggage claim, I saw lots of people milling around, some seemed uneasy, others seemed excited and still others seemed forlorn. I realized that the airport can be one of the most exciting/happy places to be-family and friends waiting to see you and hug you. Reconnecting of loved ones that have been estranged for years-or even the reunion of a couple who have only been a few days apart. There was one couple who were clearly in love and couldn't wait to see each other-if they had been capable, I think they would have dropped their bags and run into each others' arms.

However, it can also be an unbelievably lonely and depressing place. A person may have a transfer flight, but it may not leave for a few hours and so they must wait in this foreign airport with people they don't know and seeing other people meet up. Or they may not even someone to meet them at the airport-they simply fly in get a taxi and go home.

Parts of me feels like there may be a connection between airports and stages in our lives. Sometimes, we are arriving and we come to a new place, but there are people we know who can show us around and help us get acquainted. Sometimes, we arrive and there is no one-we have to start from the beginning, but we hail that taxi and get ready to face the unknown. Sometimes, we depart and have to leave everyone behind-recognizing that even though we are apart, we don't have to forget each other. Sometimes, we depart happy to see the end of that 'city' of life and ready to see what the next 'airport' life has in store for us.

I am thankful that I have friends with whom I can laugh and joke and share mundane text conversations, which help to break the monotony.

Later, gator

David

Monday, December 21, 2009

"And who knows, starting a new journey may not be so hard..."

As difficult as this may be for some of you to believe, there is quite a lot going through my mind at this moment in time. My initial plan when thinking about what to blog about was to discuss the issue of minorities and divisional issues (partially brought on by an episode of Glee, but also because of The Amazing Race); however, I just finished watching the movie, The Ultimate Gift, and was completely broken down by it. If you haven't seen it, you need to go out and watch it. (I know I say that about a lot of movies, but this one ripped me to pieces-I'm not even really sure why)

I really want to make a difference in this world and impact it positively. I don't have money, I don't have power, I don't have influence. I guess I have some esteem, I would venture to say that some people respect my opinion and value my input. But in the grand scheme, how much good can I actually do? And how good is it, if I have the desire to do it? Is it cheapened because I WANT to make a difference? I don't know. I guess something like making an impact is a journey-not a simple event.

Sometimes, I worry that everything that I do will count for nothing. That all of what I've done will blow up in my face and any good I was trying to do, will only result in a far worse situation. Perhaps, this is why I am so difficult to be around.

No matter how much I may want to, I cannot see the impact I am making now-good or bad. I may never see the results of seeds that I plant or lives that I affect (a fact which bothers me to no end), but I can't let that discourage me. It isn't about what I see happening, but rather that I take the time to be there for people. To live for Christ and to live as an example for Him. In a sense, I am reminded of a song from the movie Prince of Egypt, in which Jethro tells Moses that he must look at his life "through Heaven's eyes"; I may not be able to measure my efforts, but I have to remember that God is (hopefully) finding value and making use of the things I do.

I don't do enough.

I am thankful that I am healthy and have not had to spend a holiday in a hospital bed.

Later, gator

David

Thursday, December 17, 2009

The Tow Trucks of Life

So, as most of you know, I am spending my Christmas break in The Woodlands, Texas; it is a small suburb just north of Houston. Anyway, here in The Woodlands, whenever there is an accident of any kind, swarms of tow trucks appear to try and tow the vehicles from the scene. Well, as you might expect not every one of those tow trucks will be able to accomplish the job.

Well, today my mother and I were wandering around town, finishing up some last minute Christmas shopping (I am almost done!)and just outside of the wal-mart just down the road from our neighborhood, there was a slight fender-bender (maybe a little more than slight, but one of the cars suffered almost no damage at all). However, the cars involved in the accident were nearly impossible to see, not because of rubber-neckers or anything like that. Rather, the street was almost filled with tow trucks-there were at least 10 tow trucks all trying to tow the cars.

Well, as I sit here blogging about this frequent occurrence, I can't help but be reminded of life. Oftentimes, I feel that we try to fix problems after they have happened. We wait until we are sick or injured to address the issue. Rather than take preventive measures (such as stretching before exercising or eating healthy foods), we wait until we pull a muscle or get the flu. Much like the tow trucks, we try to shove as many remedies down the problem's throat and hope that one of them works and is able to fix the immediate problem-although the unseen impacts can be lasting and far more damaging.

I guess the point I am trying to make is that sometimes, we need to take preventive measures in order to stop far worse problems from occurring. This is made even more clear to me through an e-mail I received from one of my fellow Div School students who poke of two more 18 year-olds who were involved in high crime and how important it is to stem the tide and prevent these events from happening, rather than try to find a solution after the fact.

Once again, it points to a conversation I have had with a friend of mine, about my focus being on discipling and working with youth. My goal is definitely more on the spiritual walk of the youth, rather than their initial dedication.

I don't know, just something I thought about while watching those superfluous tow trucks.

I am thankful for my family.

Later, gator

David

Saturday, December 12, 2009

"Don't you get it, man? We're all losers"

Hey guys, in case you were wondering the title of this blog is indeed a quote. It is from the TV show Glee, the pilot episode to be precise. At this point, the star quarterback is faced with a choice-quit the Glee club and restore the natural social order by being a jock, or break the norm and "lower" himself to another social circle.

I use the term lower because that is what popular American society wants you to believe; however, it is not what I believe nor is it what Finn or the creators of Glee think. And for that I applaud them. There are lots of shows that break the stereotypes (Big Bang Theory, Chuck, etc.), so how is Glee different? I don't know that it is; I just find it refreshing to know that there is a show that says it is ok to do what makes you happy and not do something just to fit in. Granted, I have only seen the first episode, but I think that this show is going to be a really good one.

I went to see the Zoar boys play in their first basketball game today. They played well and were very sportsmanlike-I was impressed. They lost, but I don't think that any of them let it get them down. I think they enjoyed the game and had fun playing-and isn't that what matters anyway? When I lose that focus, sports in general become frustrating and troublesome and honestly I'd rather not play.

What's my challenge for today, I hear you ask? Read a good book. By a good book, I mean one that you will enjoy.

I am thankful for people who are willing to stand up for what they believe, even if it makes them unpopular.

Later, gator

David

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Do you ever just look back and think, "How did I get here?" That's kind of where I am now; so much has happened this semester, I can't really take it in. Meagan and I were talking yesterday and saying how neither of us could believe it was exam week. Where did the time go?

Don't get me wrong, I have done quite a lot this semester, but for some reason, it just doesn't feel like it should be this time of year. Maybe it's the weather, I don't know.

Last night, I played basketball again. We lost. Again. It is was still a good time, though; although I wish my body wasn't in so much pain. At point I dived through the air to get a ball and landed on my left leg, particularly my knee and it hurts today.

Challenge: volunteer somewhere over the Christmas holiday.

I am thankful for opportunities that God has given me.

Later, gator

David

Saturday, December 5, 2009

You've Got a Friend in Me

So I lied. I didn't post anything yesterday, like I said I would. I'm sorry, I was not feeling well last night and I was exhausted from being up until 3 the night before. So I apologize; I hope you guys can forgive me.

Anywho, so today a friend of mine let me borrow the book, "The Weight of Glory" by C.S. Lewis, specifically to read one of his sermons called 'The Inner Ring'. Now I know why my friend asked me to read this sermon, we had been having a conversation that sort of tied into this topic at lunch that day and he got really excited about my reading this section.

Basically, it is about how each society has secret groups, inner rings if you will, and every person within that society attempts to penetrate those groups and become a member. C.S. Lewis goes on to say that there is nothing wrong with these types of groups, sometimes things have to be kept secret; however, the uncontrollable desire to be included in these groups, as well as the groups flaunting of their exclusivity are bad.

So reading this has given me a lot to think about, particularly this quote from Lewis, "Of all passions, the passion for the Inner Ring is the most skillful in making a man who is not yet a very bad man do very bad things." Wow. That pretty much says it all for me; it has made me realize how much my desire to 'fit in' has driven much of what I do. Now, I can't say that I have ever done anything really bad (most of you know that I lead a very boring childhood/adolescence)(but then who I am to say what is a 'big thing' and what is not) but I have certainly made decisions that I wish I hadn't or that I could possibly take back. I need to stop seeking man's approval-Gal. 1:10 "For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ." (NASB) That is one of my life verses, and I have once again let it slip through my memory and focus on my desires instead of Christ's calling. The truth is I spend far too much time worried about being 'best friends' with people than I do living like Christ, and that truth is heavy. I don't want to deal with it, I want to ignore it and pretend that everything will be ok if I can just find that 'best friend' who I can turn to for every problem. And maybe I can find that best friend; maybe I can find it in Jesus.

It all seems to go back to that conversation that Brittany and I had after the Verge. Where do I seek acceptance? I cannot serve two masters; I can't try to please both man and God. So I guess it is time to stop trying. Even if all my friends desert me (not that they would), I still have Jesus. Sounds pretty trite, but I don't care-make fun of me all you want, I need to stop letting popularity dictate who I am.

I am thankful for my memory. Today, we visited a nursing home and sang Christmas carols to some of the residents with Alzheimer's. On one point, it was awesome to see them singing along with us. But on another point, it was so poignant to realize that some of them cannot even remember their own name.

Later, gator

David

Friday, December 4, 2009

Too early in the morning

Ok, so it has been a while since I posted, but it is far too late/early to post anything now beyond this note:

I will post tomorrow.

Later, gator

David

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

My 20th Post

Hey, well guys I hit a mile stone I didn't think I would, I have maintained this blog for 20 posts-a huge accomplishment for me! I know, that's lame, but sometimes you gotta take what you can get, right?

So tonight was the Christmas verge and it was probably my favorite verge of the semester-not because it was Christmas themed, because honestly, there wasn't that much Christmas involved in it. But I really enjoyed the more peaceful atmosphere and the fact that we sang some of my favorite hymns-it was really good. Well, afterword, I sat down and began to reflect, as I almost always do after the Verge and one of my friends came and sat beside me and we talked about random things for a while, discussing the songs of the verge and the scarf she was wearing.

However, at one point she turned to me and asked, "From where do you seek acceptance?" I thought for sure I had misheard her, this question was coming from out of nowhere and was penetrating to some deep stuff in my life. I asked, "What did you say?" She replied, "From what do you seek to get acceptance, or rather from whom?"

Ok, this was crazy! This had been on my mind for a really long time and there was NO WAY that she knew that. How was it that she so nonchalantly asked this question? So, I asked (before answering), "What made you ask that question?" She turned to me, smiled and said, "I don't know, it just kind of popped into my head." Ok, God I get it.

Ok, so I was going to go into a little depth and talk about some stuff, but honestly I don't feel comfortable just pouring that stuff out all over the internet. So, if you want to hear about what's going on in my life, ask me. Whether it be person-to-person or for those who read my blog from greater distances than just one building to another, send me a facebook message or call me. Or just be in prayer for me. Honestly, it doesn't matter whether or not you care to know about my crazy life-I would just really appreciate your prayers.

Earlier today I was helping to set up for the Christmas verge and we were hanging lights on some of the doors. Well, we had tape, but no scissors. One of the other guys there had a pocket knife in his pocket. I was in charge of cutting the tape to help hang up the lights. Here's how the conversation went down:

Me: Hey, Brad, can you hand me your pocketknife?
B: (distracted while trying to hang up lights) Just tear the tape.
Me: (trying, in vain, to rip the tape)That isn't really working that well.
B: Well, just bite it.
Me: Ok...(bites into the tape and it rips apart-leaving a little bit behind in my mouth) well, that worked and I get a special treat! Tape in my mouth!
Mindy: Haha...gross!
Rebekah: Ewww! Saliva is one of the worst things in the world!
(Talk of this nature goes on for a little while...)
R: Now I have David slobber all over me! Your DNA is all over my hands.
Me: You should feel honored. Not many people can boast about such a blessing.

A funny story, yeah? But also a little life lesson tucked away in there. How often do we go through life picking up little pieces of people and carrying them with us throughout the day, week, semester, whatever. It is funny to think about Rebekah going through the day with my DNA all over her hands (although, I was informed later in the evening that she scrubbed really hard to ensure she got all traces of me off), but I can't help but think about how often I take on the problems of concerns of other people and let them absorb into my person. Becoming, essentially, a part of who I am.

But there again, I also see that it is important that we be able to draw a distinction and much like Rebekah be able to clean ourselves of those things and start fresh, giving the concerns over to God and trusting Him to handle it. I mean if I walk around all the time with someone else's "DNA" all over me, how will people know who I am?

My challenge for today? Love. Demonstrate, in some palpable fashion, genuine love for someone in your life. Write them a letter; give them a call; take time to just sit and be with them. Be willing to love someone for who they are and for who they are in God's sight.

I am thankful for my friend, Amy Stickler, who has, on two separate occasions today, brought a smile to my face. Thank you, Amy.

Later, gator

David

First day of December

Hey. No elaborate introduction this time. I am not in a good place right now, so my humor level is at about 0.

Do you ever just have really bad nights and get into a funk. Well, that's my story tonight. I can't even really link it to anything-I am just doing great. So this is my blog for tonight.

No challenge tonight. I am thankful for the time I get to build and develop friendships, short though it may be.

Later, gator

David