Growing up I have always been competitive, no matter what the circumstance. Imagine the guy who doesn't play cards because he can't stand losing and when he does play, it is approached way too seriously. That's me. Until recently, I have always been involved with some sort of organized athletic team, whether it be football, basketball, soccer, or track. Looking back at some of my experiences it is apparent how much I love competition. Not only a fight or goal, but the challenge. I want to face the biggest and the toughest.
After all of my years of competitive athletics I would have never guessed my fiercest competitors would arrive shortly after my retirement from playing ball. I never would have thought that a few thick textbooks with the word "Chemistry" written on them would be my greatest challengers yet. At no point before my recent studies have I encountered a competition that was to require so much sacrifice. That 300 pound linemen who once intimidated me looks like a toddler when I set him next to my 1000 page Organic text.
Although I am having to sacrifice time, sleep, money, and more time, every second is worth it. The challenge is irresistible to me. Knowing that we are fortunate enough in America to choose whatever eduction we would like is simply incredible and I that is something I must take advantage of. Unfortunately, I am not very smart. Much like being undersized as a college football player, this is something I can accept without being naive. As much as I wish I was a keen fellow and often act like I am, the truth is I am not. God did not provide me with a brilliant mind; however, he provided me with a relentless work ethic and an attitude that will settle for nothing short of my best. Not to mention time management; that helps a little bit, I guess.
This new competition I have now embarked upon has many demanding obstacles. For me it is much like golf. I have to practice on my own and ride solo to get it all figured out. For a dumb person as myself to analyze something as complicated as reactions and free radicals long enough to fully understand the information, is no short process. Much like other competitions, there is in overtime to Chemistry. But with Chemistry it is overtime EVERY TIME. Yes, I just made an evil laugh sound too. But seriously, I put it on the line every time. It is as if 24 hours just isn't enough time during the day. Sometimes overtime lasts two days. Sometimes the nights don't exist and the days turn to nights. But hey! like Ace Hood says: "I can't slow down for nothing, cause I gotta get overtime, gotta stay on my grind."
I encourage anyone to pursue the education of their choice no matter who they are. I hate to see people shy away from professions they desire simply because of a couple classes in the way. Difficult courses have not only occupied me with a very difficult challenge that I love, but have also allowed me to truly value my education and be deserving of the grades I make.
Not only do I value you my education more, but most importantly my relationships with friends and family. When something takes up your every waking hour for two weeks and then you actually have a break, it is not hard to enjoy. I refuse to put my friends on a "to do" list so when I have time to spend with people I love doing so. Now when I get to spend time with friends or family, I tune into every word spoken. I look intently into the eyes of each person and see how well I can get to know through listening and observing their expressions. Last night was my sister Ashton's 24th birthday. I regret being so tired, which prevented me from playing an active role at the Fuji party. This at least game me an opportunity to be around family and it was great. Today is Friday and although my final exam is Monday and I should probably sleep, I am going two stepping with some friends. This will give me a great opportunity to relax and get to know some of the friends around me (plus embarrass myself). I will certainly not take it for granted, knowing each moment that I am not all alone in my room studying is a precious one.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Going Up?
Driving to and from Little Rock everyday for class has given my mind plenty of time to wander. As my mind has rambled with no definite purpose, several thoughts lay heavier than others. I will try to record some of these thoughts in somewhat of an organized way in which they may be applicable to our daily lives.
When driving anywhere it seems that we always look for the fastest/easiest way. I always enjoy looking for a shorter route; whether that means taking a different road, exit, or speed. Sometimes a destination that is farther than another can be made in equal time due to the different speed limitations and curvature of the roads. I began to think of the two directions that we as humans can choose in life. Not two paths, but two directions. One being Heaven and one being Hell; however, Hell has many more pathways that can be taken. Heaven being the right place, the right direction.
I refuse to believe that all people on earth are evil and selfish, only looking out for themselves. It is important that we strive to see the good in people no matter how difficult they seem. Although there are good people all over the world, I also feel that the earth we live on is much closer to Hell than to Heaven. Not just in a geographical sense, but think of the values and morals that are practiced here on earth. Lets say that Heaven is indeed much farther away from earth than Hell. When someone comes to the end of their life they either arrive at the right place or the wrong place at the same time. So how is it that one may arrive at either place in the same amount of time since they are not equal distances from the earth? This is because the right direction is much like the interstate. I can make a long trip much shorter by taking the interstate. For the most part my travel on the interstate is always quick and steady paced. Also their is only one path to choose from when traveling the right direction. If you do not take the pathway that Jesus Christ puts before us you will be lost very quickly. The pathways to Hell are many and unlike the right direction, these paths have no signs or speed limits to keep control over the roads. Getting lost becomes so much easier not only because there are so many turns and bumps, but because you are on your own. The right direction has many signs along the way and with the presence of Jesus' spirit we can hand over the wheel and be at peace and joy with the world around us.
I realize that this application does not pertain to many aspects of the road and that there is much more that could be spoken of as well. The next few thoughts may remain applicable to either direction that is chosen, but I would like to focus for now on the correct path. Once we have chosen the path we know to be correct, then what? Can we just let the spirit within us do all of the work and enjoy the ride? No. This is not possible since the spirit that dwells in us compels us to do so much more. With Jesus guiding and directing our path we know the next step to take. We know what to do, and while we are doing it, we know it is right. For the first time in my life, I have felt purpose in some of the decisions made. Every morning when I wake up and drive an hour just for a lecture, it feels right. Everything about it feels right, knowing I am driving in the right direction for a reason; with a purpose.
Every Christian has a purpose on the correct path. Sometime God may not make it aware until we are ready to accept it. In guiding us, God uses our talents to do his work. In Romans, Paul talks about the different roles that people may fulfill in the church, whether it be through prophesying, service, teaching, giving, leading, showing mercy, or exhorting. Not everyone plays the same role on this path, some people must preach while others are called to go out. We cannot just leave everyone sitting on the side of the road, they must be reached in one way or another and it is our responsibility while traveling on the correct path to do that by using whatever talents we have been given. If you have a gift, it is important that you use it. We must find the ways God has blessed us and exploit them in order to further his Kingdom; NOT to further ourselves, our team, our friends, or anything else. Losing site of the true goal is very easy when so many other opportunities are available to us. Some people are overwhelmed with options that may please themselves they can never make a decision, causing them to amount to nothing.
"This is a wonderful time to be alive. There have never been more possibilities and opportunities for you to achieve more of your goals than exist today. As perhaps never before in human history, you are actually drowning in options. In fact, three are so many good things that you can do, that your ability to decide among them may be the critical determinant of what you accomplish in life." - Brian Tracy
I received this through text message from good friend of mine, Rusty. Let us not be confused about what options to take. There is only one. One direction, one path. It is important that we are susceptible to what God has planned for us. We must prepare ourselves each day through studying and prayer. These thoughts help to encourage me to do these things, because each and everyday I fail in making the most of the opportunities given. I pray that my ability to decide from all the possibilities that the world provides is no longer an issue, knowing there is one path already set allowing me to accomplish everything in life. The path that all energy and talent should be focused towards: the correct one. I no longer seek the fastest and easiest way to class. I know that God provides the correct way each and everyday and if I will just go the speed limit and be prepared for what is ahead, my role will be fulfilled.
When driving anywhere it seems that we always look for the fastest/easiest way. I always enjoy looking for a shorter route; whether that means taking a different road, exit, or speed. Sometimes a destination that is farther than another can be made in equal time due to the different speed limitations and curvature of the roads. I began to think of the two directions that we as humans can choose in life. Not two paths, but two directions. One being Heaven and one being Hell; however, Hell has many more pathways that can be taken. Heaven being the right place, the right direction.
I refuse to believe that all people on earth are evil and selfish, only looking out for themselves. It is important that we strive to see the good in people no matter how difficult they seem. Although there are good people all over the world, I also feel that the earth we live on is much closer to Hell than to Heaven. Not just in a geographical sense, but think of the values and morals that are practiced here on earth. Lets say that Heaven is indeed much farther away from earth than Hell. When someone comes to the end of their life they either arrive at the right place or the wrong place at the same time. So how is it that one may arrive at either place in the same amount of time since they are not equal distances from the earth? This is because the right direction is much like the interstate. I can make a long trip much shorter by taking the interstate. For the most part my travel on the interstate is always quick and steady paced. Also their is only one path to choose from when traveling the right direction. If you do not take the pathway that Jesus Christ puts before us you will be lost very quickly. The pathways to Hell are many and unlike the right direction, these paths have no signs or speed limits to keep control over the roads. Getting lost becomes so much easier not only because there are so many turns and bumps, but because you are on your own. The right direction has many signs along the way and with the presence of Jesus' spirit we can hand over the wheel and be at peace and joy with the world around us.
I realize that this application does not pertain to many aspects of the road and that there is much more that could be spoken of as well. The next few thoughts may remain applicable to either direction that is chosen, but I would like to focus for now on the correct path. Once we have chosen the path we know to be correct, then what? Can we just let the spirit within us do all of the work and enjoy the ride? No. This is not possible since the spirit that dwells in us compels us to do so much more. With Jesus guiding and directing our path we know the next step to take. We know what to do, and while we are doing it, we know it is right. For the first time in my life, I have felt purpose in some of the decisions made. Every morning when I wake up and drive an hour just for a lecture, it feels right. Everything about it feels right, knowing I am driving in the right direction for a reason; with a purpose.
Every Christian has a purpose on the correct path. Sometime God may not make it aware until we are ready to accept it. In guiding us, God uses our talents to do his work. In Romans, Paul talks about the different roles that people may fulfill in the church, whether it be through prophesying, service, teaching, giving, leading, showing mercy, or exhorting. Not everyone plays the same role on this path, some people must preach while others are called to go out. We cannot just leave everyone sitting on the side of the road, they must be reached in one way or another and it is our responsibility while traveling on the correct path to do that by using whatever talents we have been given. If you have a gift, it is important that you use it. We must find the ways God has blessed us and exploit them in order to further his Kingdom; NOT to further ourselves, our team, our friends, or anything else. Losing site of the true goal is very easy when so many other opportunities are available to us. Some people are overwhelmed with options that may please themselves they can never make a decision, causing them to amount to nothing.
"This is a wonderful time to be alive. There have never been more possibilities and opportunities for you to achieve more of your goals than exist today. As perhaps never before in human history, you are actually drowning in options. In fact, three are so many good things that you can do, that your ability to decide among them may be the critical determinant of what you accomplish in life." - Brian Tracy
I received this through text message from good friend of mine, Rusty. Let us not be confused about what options to take. There is only one. One direction, one path. It is important that we are susceptible to what God has planned for us. We must prepare ourselves each day through studying and prayer. These thoughts help to encourage me to do these things, because each and everyday I fail in making the most of the opportunities given. I pray that my ability to decide from all the possibilities that the world provides is no longer an issue, knowing there is one path already set allowing me to accomplish everything in life. The path that all energy and talent should be focused towards: the correct one. I no longer seek the fastest and easiest way to class. I know that God provides the correct way each and everyday and if I will just go the speed limit and be prepared for what is ahead, my role will be fulfilled.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
A Calling
The past few months of my life have been very eye-opening. I feel that everyone reaches a point in their life when they realize what is most important. They begin to see how insignificant or immature certain activities are that they once spent so much time worrying about. I also feel that each Christian who is a true disciple of Jesus Christ will get to a point in life when they realize their calling on Earth. The past couple of years I have prayed about my calling and have been so confused about what I should do with my life. I knew so many things that it was NOT. God has always known his plan for me, but waited until I was able to realize the important things in life. I grew up knowing to put God first, but that does not mean I did. To put God first is to put sports and academics behind him. Those are easy, but how about putting family and friends behind God? In Luke 9 Jesus explains to a couple men that wish to be his disciples that they must put family and friends behind. Jesus is saying that to be fit and prepared for the Kingdom of God one must be able to leave the lost souls.
I have always wanted to go out and serve in other countries, but something kept holding me back. Mainly it was the thought of not only leaving friends and family, but as well as the lost here in America. Those passages in Luke help me to see that ones calling may cause them to leave the lost behind as well as everything else. Not everyone has a calling outside of the country and there are true disciples of Christ that stay put such as teachers, preachers, etc. But I feel that I am called to help serve others overseas. I am no preacher, I can only hope that through my service others may see Jesus. The thought of going to Zambia in the Fall gives me great peace and joy within, knowing that I am doing the right thing. For the first time in my academic career I have a purpose for learning and feel like God will place me in the right spot at the right time.
I have enjoyed reading about different missionaries throughout the world and there is one trend that I have began to see. Each missionary that seems to have much success did not hesitate to leave their friends, family, job or school when they felt a calling to leave. This does not mean that they did not prepare for their missions through studying medicine, language, and more; it means they were in tune with what Jesus had planned for them. I pray that one day I can find that connection of inner peace and joy with Jesus that will confidently lead me in the correct direction. Until then I plan to continue my education and study successful ways of reaching out to people in other countries and making a difference. I hope to continue a blog throughout my time in Africa and record some day to day things that may have stuck out to me.
I have always wanted to go out and serve in other countries, but something kept holding me back. Mainly it was the thought of not only leaving friends and family, but as well as the lost here in America. Those passages in Luke help me to see that ones calling may cause them to leave the lost behind as well as everything else. Not everyone has a calling outside of the country and there are true disciples of Christ that stay put such as teachers, preachers, etc. But I feel that I am called to help serve others overseas. I am no preacher, I can only hope that through my service others may see Jesus. The thought of going to Zambia in the Fall gives me great peace and joy within, knowing that I am doing the right thing. For the first time in my academic career I have a purpose for learning and feel like God will place me in the right spot at the right time.
I have enjoyed reading about different missionaries throughout the world and there is one trend that I have began to see. Each missionary that seems to have much success did not hesitate to leave their friends, family, job or school when they felt a calling to leave. This does not mean that they did not prepare for their missions through studying medicine, language, and more; it means they were in tune with what Jesus had planned for them. I pray that one day I can find that connection of inner peace and joy with Jesus that will confidently lead me in the correct direction. Until then I plan to continue my education and study successful ways of reaching out to people in other countries and making a difference. I hope to continue a blog throughout my time in Africa and record some day to day things that may have stuck out to me.
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