I read an interesting article on Zen Habits today (http://zenhabits.net/2008/09/11-refreshing-ways-to-bring-out-the-awesomeness-in-life/). Of the 11 ways suggested to bring out the awesomeness in life, #2 is particularly interesting. It's got me thinking - what is a label? when are they necessary? when do they complicate? is a truth only as solid as its label?.. hmm... thoughts?
"2. Stop labeling. It’s amazing how much we think we’re experiencing life, but we’re really just thinking about it. I want you to try a little exercise with me. Take a look at something around you. Maybe it’s a photo, a plant, or your keyboard. Our normal state of mind is to think about the object we’re looking at, to conceptualize it in our mind and place labels on it. Now look at the same object and don’t think about it. If this is difficult for you, that’s okay. Relax and just look. Let go. Notice a difference? That’s because when you’re not thinking about what you’re things, you’re actually experiencing life directly. The labels in our mind are simply abstractions, they’re not reality itself. Try doing this more often: when you’re in line at the grocery store, walking your dog, listening to music, etc. You’ll start to enjoy your experience much more."
Monday, September 29, 2008
Saturday, September 27, 2008
How do I figure out God's will for my life?
A hot topic among Christians is “how do I know the will of God for my life?”
.. ..
Before plunging into this topic, let me clarify that this is only for those who have given their hearts and lives to Jesus. If you’re not a believer, go read the Gospel of John and ask God to speak to your heart and show you how to respond. http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/tools/printer-friendly.pl?book=Jhn&chapter=1&translation=nkjv#top
.. ..
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” ....Rom..... 12:1-2
.. ..
People often think that God’s will is something that has to be found – like it’s lost or hidden. Not so. God’s will is not tough to discern. Paul writes the simple formula for knowing God’s will.
.. ..
1. Give your body to the Lord
.. ..
When I read this, I realize that my body is far from “holy and acceptable.” This discourages a lot of people. They think that they’re disqualified. They say, “Until my body is holy and acceptable, I can’t give it as a living sacrifice to the Lord. I struggle with sin constantly. I better get my act together first.” The first eleven chapters of Romans that lead up to these two verses explain that God sees us IN Christ. God sees our bodies as holy and acceptable already. You and I see the mistakes and shortcomings but, simply put, God does not. He sees you and me hidden IN Christ and sees the righteousness of Christ wrapped around us like a robe.
.. ..
What’s this idea of a living sacrifice? In Gen 22, Abraham was told to take his adult son Isaac up on a mountain and sacrifice him to the Lord. You may know the story. Just before Abraham’s hand plunged the dagger into his son’s chest, the Lord stopped him. It was a test and Abraham passed the test. Centuries later, God would offer up His Son Jesus on the very same mountain as the sacrifice for the sins of the world. That’s a living sacrifice. But, how does that look for me personally? Well, I become a living sacrifice when I climb up onto the altar and say, “Lord, I’m yours. I love you more than anything or anyone. Have your way with me.” The problem with being a living sacrifice is that I have the tendency to climb off the altar and go do my own thing. I squirm and regularly escape! That’s why it’s important for me to continually return back to the place where I say, “Lord, I’m sorry. I’m tired of trying to figure out where I should go. I’ve done my own thing, tried my own way, and failed miserably. I’m tired of steering the car. I let go of the controls once again. Take my life..”
.. ..
Once you’ve given your body to the Lord and opened up your life to His complete control..
.. ..
2. Keep your mind on the Lord
.. ..
Avoid being squeezed into the world’s mold. Instead, be transformed by the renewing of your mind. The word “transformed” comes from the Greek word “metamorphoo” which is where we get our word “metamorphosis.” It’s a radical change. This same word is used to describe the change that Jesus experienced in Matt 17. He was talking with Moses and Elijah about his death (hint, hint – living sacrifice) and started shining and glowing. Just as radical as a caterpillar metamorphosizing into a butterfly, my mind is changed and renewed as I keep my thoughts on the Lord.
.. ..
So, give your body to the Lord and keep your mind on the Lord, and you will know what God’s perfect will is for your life.
.. ..
Sounds good, right? The question is – how does that actually work for me today in my situation?
.. ..
John 14. Jesus was telling his freaked out disciples that He was going to leave them in order to prepare heaven for them. Jesus told them not to be worried or troubled. He then said “where I go you know, and the way you know.” Thomas replied in John 14:5 “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?”
.. ..
Here’s the key to this whole “how do I know God’s will” thing:
.. ..
John 14:6 “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life.”
.. ..
See, the disciples were trying to get instruction, direction, information. Jesus basically said, “I’m not going to tell you the way. I AM the way. It’s not information I give to you. It’s who I’ll be for you. It’s ME.”
.. ..
We keep saying, “Lord, tell me what to do. Give me instructions. Give me directions.” The Lord says, “I never said I would tell you the way. I am the way.” All I have to do is (#1) Give my body to the Lord and (#2) keep my mind on the Lord, and I’ll end up in the right place without struggling at all. I’ll stop trying to figure out what to do and just hang on to the Lord. It’s radical. It’s Jesus – day by day by day.
.. ..
Not only that but ....Col.... 3:15 says that the peace of Christ will rule in my heart and Heb 10:16 says God’s will will be written on my heart. God is simply going to change my heart. I don’t have to struggle and wonder what He wants me to do or where He wants me to go. Hey, if my heart’s desire is to do this or that, I can go for it. I don’t have to agonize over it. If I make a mistake, the Lord will shut the door and open a different door (see Rev. 3). All I do is rest. I keep my body open to Him, keep my mind on Him, let His peace rule in my heart, and let Him put His impressions on my heart.
.. ..
Ps. 37:4 – As I delight in the Lord, he gives me the desires of my heart. I climb onto his shoulders and go along for the ride. Suddenly, I find that the desires I have in my heart constitute his will for my life. It’s that simple. Just like Augustine said, as I love God with all of my heart, I can do whatever I want. Vocationally, romantically, physically, emotionally, spiritually, practically – I’ll find myself in the center of God’s will.
.. ..
Before plunging into this topic, let me clarify that this is only for those who have given their hearts and lives to Jesus. If you’re not a believer, go read the Gospel of John and ask God to speak to your heart and show you how to respond. http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/tools/printer-friendly.pl?book=Jhn&chapter=1&translation=nkjv#top
.. ..
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” ....Rom..... 12:1-2
.. ..
People often think that God’s will is something that has to be found – like it’s lost or hidden. Not so. God’s will is not tough to discern. Paul writes the simple formula for knowing God’s will.
.. ..
1. Give your body to the Lord
.. ..
When I read this, I realize that my body is far from “holy and acceptable.” This discourages a lot of people. They think that they’re disqualified. They say, “Until my body is holy and acceptable, I can’t give it as a living sacrifice to the Lord. I struggle with sin constantly. I better get my act together first.” The first eleven chapters of Romans that lead up to these two verses explain that God sees us IN Christ. God sees our bodies as holy and acceptable already. You and I see the mistakes and shortcomings but, simply put, God does not. He sees you and me hidden IN Christ and sees the righteousness of Christ wrapped around us like a robe.
.. ..
What’s this idea of a living sacrifice? In Gen 22, Abraham was told to take his adult son Isaac up on a mountain and sacrifice him to the Lord. You may know the story. Just before Abraham’s hand plunged the dagger into his son’s chest, the Lord stopped him. It was a test and Abraham passed the test. Centuries later, God would offer up His Son Jesus on the very same mountain as the sacrifice for the sins of the world. That’s a living sacrifice. But, how does that look for me personally? Well, I become a living sacrifice when I climb up onto the altar and say, “Lord, I’m yours. I love you more than anything or anyone. Have your way with me.” The problem with being a living sacrifice is that I have the tendency to climb off the altar and go do my own thing. I squirm and regularly escape! That’s why it’s important for me to continually return back to the place where I say, “Lord, I’m sorry. I’m tired of trying to figure out where I should go. I’ve done my own thing, tried my own way, and failed miserably. I’m tired of steering the car. I let go of the controls once again. Take my life..”
.. ..
Once you’ve given your body to the Lord and opened up your life to His complete control..
.. ..
2. Keep your mind on the Lord
.. ..
Avoid being squeezed into the world’s mold. Instead, be transformed by the renewing of your mind. The word “transformed” comes from the Greek word “metamorphoo” which is where we get our word “metamorphosis.” It’s a radical change. This same word is used to describe the change that Jesus experienced in Matt 17. He was talking with Moses and Elijah about his death (hint, hint – living sacrifice) and started shining and glowing. Just as radical as a caterpillar metamorphosizing into a butterfly, my mind is changed and renewed as I keep my thoughts on the Lord.
.. ..
So, give your body to the Lord and keep your mind on the Lord, and you will know what God’s perfect will is for your life.
.. ..
Sounds good, right? The question is – how does that actually work for me today in my situation?
.. ..
John 14. Jesus was telling his freaked out disciples that He was going to leave them in order to prepare heaven for them. Jesus told them not to be worried or troubled. He then said “where I go you know, and the way you know.” Thomas replied in John 14:5 “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?”
.. ..
Here’s the key to this whole “how do I know God’s will” thing:
.. ..
John 14:6 “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life.”
.. ..
See, the disciples were trying to get instruction, direction, information. Jesus basically said, “I’m not going to tell you the way. I AM the way. It’s not information I give to you. It’s who I’ll be for you. It’s ME.”
.. ..
We keep saying, “Lord, tell me what to do. Give me instructions. Give me directions.” The Lord says, “I never said I would tell you the way. I am the way.” All I have to do is (#1) Give my body to the Lord and (#2) keep my mind on the Lord, and I’ll end up in the right place without struggling at all. I’ll stop trying to figure out what to do and just hang on to the Lord. It’s radical. It’s Jesus – day by day by day.
.. ..
Not only that but ....Col.... 3:15 says that the peace of Christ will rule in my heart and Heb 10:16 says God’s will will be written on my heart. God is simply going to change my heart. I don’t have to struggle and wonder what He wants me to do or where He wants me to go. Hey, if my heart’s desire is to do this or that, I can go for it. I don’t have to agonize over it. If I make a mistake, the Lord will shut the door and open a different door (see Rev. 3). All I do is rest. I keep my body open to Him, keep my mind on Him, let His peace rule in my heart, and let Him put His impressions on my heart.
.. ..
Ps. 37:4 – As I delight in the Lord, he gives me the desires of my heart. I climb onto his shoulders and go along for the ride. Suddenly, I find that the desires I have in my heart constitute his will for my life. It’s that simple. Just like Augustine said, as I love God with all of my heart, I can do whatever I want. Vocationally, romantically, physically, emotionally, spiritually, practically – I’ll find myself in the center of God’s will.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Jesus Loves You, Fluffy..
Hey Guys -
Found this recent public announcement for a local church (Christian Church - Disciples of Christ denomination). Any thoughts or opinions?..
BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS - Pets should be brought on a leash or in a suitable carrier to the gathering, which will be held on the front lawn of the church. All pets are welcome, but photos of pets also are welcome. The service will include readings, prayers, music, a blessing for all living pets, as well as for those pets who are no longer with us. There will also be an opportunity for the individual blessing of pets.
Thoughts? I have a reoccurring discussion with a close friend of mine regarding animals/pets, their spiritual state, etc. This friend tends to believe that pets will be in heaven but there is no scriptural backing for this and I personally don't believe that animals have eternal spirits whatsoever. As far as this gathering that is being advertised, I'm undecided as to the validity of blessing animals..
Found this recent public announcement for a local church (Christian Church - Disciples of Christ denomination). Any thoughts or opinions?..
BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS - Pets should be brought on a leash or in a suitable carrier to the gathering, which will be held on the front lawn of the church. All pets are welcome, but photos of pets also are welcome. The service will include readings, prayers, music, a blessing for all living pets, as well as for those pets who are no longer with us. There will also be an opportunity for the individual blessing of pets.
Thoughts? I have a reoccurring discussion with a close friend of mine regarding animals/pets, their spiritual state, etc. This friend tends to believe that pets will be in heaven but there is no scriptural backing for this and I personally don't believe that animals have eternal spirits whatsoever. As far as this gathering that is being advertised, I'm undecided as to the validity of blessing animals..
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Messy Life
My life is messy.
As I self-reflect, I realize just how ugly my issues are. Blood stains my hands. I’m covered in shame. The charades sometimes fool the people around me but I know the truth. Disgusting past. Horrific secrets. Ulterior motives. Double standards. Guilty conscience. Spotted. Tainted. Unworthy of love. Undeserving of breath. Messy life.
How does my Savior love me so? He is beautiful, I am ugly. He is strong, I’m a wuss. He is loving, I’m a jerk. How could He possibly pursue me with such a passionate heart?
My Savior sings to me – “You are all fair, my love, and there is no spot in you.” (Sgs 4:7)
He sees me robed in His righteousness and beauty. My Savior doesn’t see my ugliness. He doesn’t see my shame. I’m not guilty anymore. The spots are gone. My conscience is clean. My heart is washed in His forgiveness and acceptance. My sin will never exceed His grace.
May He remind you of His grace that covers your sin. May you realize that your heart has been made clean and whole. Let the words of His song sing to your spirit: “You are all fair, my love, and there is no spot in you..”
As I self-reflect, I realize just how ugly my issues are. Blood stains my hands. I’m covered in shame. The charades sometimes fool the people around me but I know the truth. Disgusting past. Horrific secrets. Ulterior motives. Double standards. Guilty conscience. Spotted. Tainted. Unworthy of love. Undeserving of breath. Messy life.
How does my Savior love me so? He is beautiful, I am ugly. He is strong, I’m a wuss. He is loving, I’m a jerk. How could He possibly pursue me with such a passionate heart?
My Savior sings to me – “You are all fair, my love, and there is no spot in you.” (Sgs 4:7)
He sees me robed in His righteousness and beauty. My Savior doesn’t see my ugliness. He doesn’t see my shame. I’m not guilty anymore. The spots are gone. My conscience is clean. My heart is washed in His forgiveness and acceptance. My sin will never exceed His grace.
May He remind you of His grace that covers your sin. May you realize that your heart has been made clean and whole. Let the words of His song sing to your spirit: “You are all fair, my love, and there is no spot in you..”
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Response to Rob's question about Christians and tattoos..
Good question, Rob. I'll give you the nutshell answer but we can talk more if you like..
First, I’ll note a very important distinction in the Old Testament. We refer to “the law of God” and “the law of Moses.” The law of God is for all peoples at all times. The law of Moses, however, was given directly to the Israelites for that time in history. Chapter 19 of Leviticus begins by directing the content to the Israelites. Notice that just a couple sentences before the text that you mention. It forbids from shaving around the sides of your head and also forbids from wearing clothes mixed with linen and wool. Interesting. Today’s Christians are not held under these laws because they were not given to us. We study about them, learn from them, and apply their spiritual principles to our lives.
Next, it’s important to understand the context of what was going with the Israelites when this law was given. The Israelites weren’t getting butterflies and tribal designs tattooed. They were actually tattooing idols onto their bodies as a means of idol worship. They were also cutting scars into their bodies in an attempt to stay connected with the dead. This is why God forbade this practice. Tattooing in our modern culture spans a broad range of intentions and purposes. If a Christian tattooed his body with a Buddha, I’d be a bit concerned. However, a Christian tattooing his body with a beautiful peace of artwork that represents a spiritual truth in his life is different. As Christians, we are no longer under the laws of the Old Testament. Rather, we are under “the law of love” and we have freedom in Christ to enjoy that.
At the end of the day, I would never argue with a guy that believed tattooing was Biblically wrong. I’d just tell him “fine, don’t get a tattoo.” However, I would argue that the Christian that doesn’t have an issue in his conscience with getting a tattoo has the freedom in Christ to do so. Many verses in the Bible back that up and I’d be glad to expound if you’re interested. (Guess that was a big nutshell!). Hope that helps.
First, I’ll note a very important distinction in the Old Testament. We refer to “the law of God” and “the law of Moses.” The law of God is for all peoples at all times. The law of Moses, however, was given directly to the Israelites for that time in history. Chapter 19 of Leviticus begins by directing the content to the Israelites. Notice that just a couple sentences before the text that you mention. It forbids from shaving around the sides of your head and also forbids from wearing clothes mixed with linen and wool. Interesting. Today’s Christians are not held under these laws because they were not given to us. We study about them, learn from them, and apply their spiritual principles to our lives.
Next, it’s important to understand the context of what was going with the Israelites when this law was given. The Israelites weren’t getting butterflies and tribal designs tattooed. They were actually tattooing idols onto their bodies as a means of idol worship. They were also cutting scars into their bodies in an attempt to stay connected with the dead. This is why God forbade this practice. Tattooing in our modern culture spans a broad range of intentions and purposes. If a Christian tattooed his body with a Buddha, I’d be a bit concerned. However, a Christian tattooing his body with a beautiful peace of artwork that represents a spiritual truth in his life is different. As Christians, we are no longer under the laws of the Old Testament. Rather, we are under “the law of love” and we have freedom in Christ to enjoy that.
At the end of the day, I would never argue with a guy that believed tattooing was Biblically wrong. I’d just tell him “fine, don’t get a tattoo.” However, I would argue that the Christian that doesn’t have an issue in his conscience with getting a tattoo has the freedom in Christ to do so. Many verses in the Bible back that up and I’d be glad to expound if you’re interested. (Guess that was a big nutshell!). Hope that helps.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
It’s just ink. I’m not dangerous. I won’t cut you.
Recently, some older folks that I spent some time with had serious issues with my tattoos. It wasn't the meaning behind the tattoos (they didn't ask) but just the fact that I have them in the first place. They categorized me as "one of those kind of people" and wrote me off. A verse came to mind as I was thinking about this reaction.
The prophet Samuel made a similar mistake as these older folks did. A guy called Eliab was the good looking strong eldest son of Jesse. Samuel figured that this was the guy that God was choosing to be the next king. Here's what God said in response –
"But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." (1 Sam. 16:7)
We all seem to judge people so quickly based upon how they look, what they wear, their accent perhaps, where they live. It's an easy trap to fall into. If the prophet Samuel did it, surely we're all prone to it. We see a punk with funny colored hair and a face full of piercings and jump to conclusions that his life is messed up and he should be avoided. Then, we see another guy wearing nice clothes and driving a decent car and assume that he's got his act together. WRONG. God sees straight through the external appearances and into a man's heart. We don't look at the heart because we simply can't. Only God can.
The people that have concluded inaccurate assumptions about my lifestyle and character based upon my tattoos have actually indirectly been used by the Lord to convict me of the same error in my own way of thinking. I'm so quick to assume that I know a person's life story within the first five minutes. Folks, we've gotta stop doing this. The next time you're overly confident about seeing a person's heart, remember what we read about our own hearts –
"The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked. Who can know it?" (Jer. 17:9)
Hey, we can't even truly know our own hearts! Our hearts are jacked with ulterior motives and hidden agendas. Even when we think our intentions are pure, they oftentimes are not.
The solution to this is simple. We must cease our efforts to judge other people by their outward appearances OR by assuming that we can see the intentions and motives of their hearts. We should just love them the way that God loves them: unconditionally. Don't worry about what the external looks like and don't try to figure the degree of sincerity and authenticity. Leave it to God since He's the only one that can see the heart anyway.
The prophet Samuel made a similar mistake as these older folks did. A guy called Eliab was the good looking strong eldest son of Jesse. Samuel figured that this was the guy that God was choosing to be the next king. Here's what God said in response –
"But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." (1 Sam. 16:7)
We all seem to judge people so quickly based upon how they look, what they wear, their accent perhaps, where they live. It's an easy trap to fall into. If the prophet Samuel did it, surely we're all prone to it. We see a punk with funny colored hair and a face full of piercings and jump to conclusions that his life is messed up and he should be avoided. Then, we see another guy wearing nice clothes and driving a decent car and assume that he's got his act together. WRONG. God sees straight through the external appearances and into a man's heart. We don't look at the heart because we simply can't. Only God can.
The people that have concluded inaccurate assumptions about my lifestyle and character based upon my tattoos have actually indirectly been used by the Lord to convict me of the same error in my own way of thinking. I'm so quick to assume that I know a person's life story within the first five minutes. Folks, we've gotta stop doing this. The next time you're overly confident about seeing a person's heart, remember what we read about our own hearts –
"The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked. Who can know it?" (Jer. 17:9)
Hey, we can't even truly know our own hearts! Our hearts are jacked with ulterior motives and hidden agendas. Even when we think our intentions are pure, they oftentimes are not.
The solution to this is simple. We must cease our efforts to judge other people by their outward appearances OR by assuming that we can see the intentions and motives of their hearts. We should just love them the way that God loves them: unconditionally. Don't worry about what the external looks like and don't try to figure the degree of sincerity and authenticity. Leave it to God since He's the only one that can see the heart anyway.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Don’t know why you say goodbye, I say hello...
So, it's the end of another season of my life as I move into June tomorrow. These "seasons" usually don't have such distinct starts and stops. Usually, they just sort of blend into each other. Not this one though. My father died on February 3rd, 2006. I met her the same week and thus began the season that I'm finishing today. What's significant about June 1st? Nothing. Actually, everything. My Savior has graciously granted me yet another fresh start. His unconditional and passionate love for me mystifies me.
My goodbyes never seem to stick. I don't know how to say goodbye to the people I love. Just ten minutes ago, I moved my old man from under the bathroom sink to a moving box. That's cardboard inside cardboard - interesting. I'll throw the moving box with his crushed bones, alongside with bottles of cleaner and toilet paper, into the back of my truck. We'll take a little ride to my new place. Here ya go, Pops. Meet your new resting place for the next while. I hope this bathroom sink treats you as well as the last did. I know I promised to shoot you off in some fireworks but I just haven't gotten around to it. Miami is a long drive and gas prices have risen. Ya dig? Cool. Actually, I kind of like having you around. I remember you every time I reach for some shaving cream or mouthwash. I also remember you every time I eat a bite of sushi, see a beautiful blonde stroll by, listen to the Moody Blues. I remember you every time I stop by Havana Sandwich Shop, get an unwelcome whiff of cigarette smoke, buy a mango. You'd be pleased with me I think.
I'm saying goodbye to this bedroom I've rented for the past couple years. My roomie left a note on the dining room table today (ooo, I have a crazy memory about that table.. hmm....). I may not see him again. I feel like I should take him to dinner or shake his hand. I feel like I should tell him that I'll miss him and that he can call me anytime he wants to hang out. But wait – I won't miss him. I haven't hung out with him in a year. Where does this stuff come from? Why is it ever-so-slightly difficult to say goodbye to him? Dunno. So long, Captain. I hope Iraq goes easy on you next year. Oh, and I'm sorry about the green stain on my carpet. Nyquil stains white carpet like you wouldn't believe.
I said goodbye to her today. Again. This time is for real – trust me. It took some serious drama for her and I to finally part. And yet, my heart that has re-broken countless times in the past year weeps for a love it never truly wanted. What's up with that? Seriously. I don't get it. I said the L word for the first and last time today. A bit late, I'm sure. Maybe it was a bad idea but I would have regretted NOT saying it for the rest of my life. It was typed and not spoken but my heart has spoken it through my smiles, embraces, and conversations to her all along. At least she knows for sure now. And to think, I could be planning the beginning of our lives together right now. Do we realize the magnitude of the impact of our decisions? Definitely not. I'll never see on this side of eternity even a glimpse of what that single decision affected. Bye, Hunnie. I'll miss you. You were great. We had a good run and gave it our best shot. I do love you. My life will forever be touched by our year together. The man that finally snatches you up will be one lucky fella. I hope he loves you more passionately than I could and treats you like the princess that you are.
So, it's the end of a season. I enjoyed some of the most colorful memories of my entire life. I loved with all of my heart. I screwed everything up. Oh well. The season is over, I'm licking my wounds, and there's a new start waiting for me tomorrow. It's times like this that familiar idioms seem to have more meaning. There's no use crying over spilt milk. Roll with the punches. If you fall off the horse, get back on. Yes. I'll do just that. Falling off the proverbial horse hurts like no other but the rush of the wind in your face and the feeling of the powerful gallop against your body is reason enough to try again. I'll love harder next time. I'll give more of myself away next time. I'll risk even more and go for broke. Our love, I think, is meant to be given away.
Goodbye, Hunnie. Fare thee well, Pops. Take it easy, Roomie. Thanks for making this a wild season. Thanks for inspiring me to be a better man. I hope you'll forgive my mistakes over time.
Hello, June. I've never been so excited to see you in the former twenty-five times we've met. You snuck up on me before. This time will be different. I thought you'd never get here. Welcome back! I'll kiss you thirty times from my gratitude. Treat me well. I'll do my best to make all of you count. I'll allow my Savior to romance me again. I'll try to learn from my mistakes. I want to make you proud this time.
So.
Here we go..
My goodbyes never seem to stick. I don't know how to say goodbye to the people I love. Just ten minutes ago, I moved my old man from under the bathroom sink to a moving box. That's cardboard inside cardboard - interesting. I'll throw the moving box with his crushed bones, alongside with bottles of cleaner and toilet paper, into the back of my truck. We'll take a little ride to my new place. Here ya go, Pops. Meet your new resting place for the next while. I hope this bathroom sink treats you as well as the last did. I know I promised to shoot you off in some fireworks but I just haven't gotten around to it. Miami is a long drive and gas prices have risen. Ya dig? Cool. Actually, I kind of like having you around. I remember you every time I reach for some shaving cream or mouthwash. I also remember you every time I eat a bite of sushi, see a beautiful blonde stroll by, listen to the Moody Blues. I remember you every time I stop by Havana Sandwich Shop, get an unwelcome whiff of cigarette smoke, buy a mango. You'd be pleased with me I think.
I'm saying goodbye to this bedroom I've rented for the past couple years. My roomie left a note on the dining room table today (ooo, I have a crazy memory about that table.. hmm....). I may not see him again. I feel like I should take him to dinner or shake his hand. I feel like I should tell him that I'll miss him and that he can call me anytime he wants to hang out. But wait – I won't miss him. I haven't hung out with him in a year. Where does this stuff come from? Why is it ever-so-slightly difficult to say goodbye to him? Dunno. So long, Captain. I hope Iraq goes easy on you next year. Oh, and I'm sorry about the green stain on my carpet. Nyquil stains white carpet like you wouldn't believe.
I said goodbye to her today. Again. This time is for real – trust me. It took some serious drama for her and I to finally part. And yet, my heart that has re-broken countless times in the past year weeps for a love it never truly wanted. What's up with that? Seriously. I don't get it. I said the L word for the first and last time today. A bit late, I'm sure. Maybe it was a bad idea but I would have regretted NOT saying it for the rest of my life. It was typed and not spoken but my heart has spoken it through my smiles, embraces, and conversations to her all along. At least she knows for sure now. And to think, I could be planning the beginning of our lives together right now. Do we realize the magnitude of the impact of our decisions? Definitely not. I'll never see on this side of eternity even a glimpse of what that single decision affected. Bye, Hunnie. I'll miss you. You were great. We had a good run and gave it our best shot. I do love you. My life will forever be touched by our year together. The man that finally snatches you up will be one lucky fella. I hope he loves you more passionately than I could and treats you like the princess that you are.
So, it's the end of a season. I enjoyed some of the most colorful memories of my entire life. I loved with all of my heart. I screwed everything up. Oh well. The season is over, I'm licking my wounds, and there's a new start waiting for me tomorrow. It's times like this that familiar idioms seem to have more meaning. There's no use crying over spilt milk. Roll with the punches. If you fall off the horse, get back on. Yes. I'll do just that. Falling off the proverbial horse hurts like no other but the rush of the wind in your face and the feeling of the powerful gallop against your body is reason enough to try again. I'll love harder next time. I'll give more of myself away next time. I'll risk even more and go for broke. Our love, I think, is meant to be given away.
Goodbye, Hunnie. Fare thee well, Pops. Take it easy, Roomie. Thanks for making this a wild season. Thanks for inspiring me to be a better man. I hope you'll forgive my mistakes over time.
Hello, June. I've never been so excited to see you in the former twenty-five times we've met. You snuck up on me before. This time will be different. I thought you'd never get here. Welcome back! I'll kiss you thirty times from my gratitude. Treat me well. I'll do my best to make all of you count. I'll allow my Savior to romance me again. I'll try to learn from my mistakes. I want to make you proud this time.
So.
Here we go..
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