Dieser Sommer

This summer was actually quite eventful.
I learned that there is way too much drama that goes on behind the happy facades people wear at the Clyde York. But despite the petty drama, disagreements, and awkward situations, there's something about the CY you gotta love. I haven't quite figured out what it is.

This summer, I shot skeet with a twelve gauge shotgun for the first--and probably last--time, caught my first fish (a 10 inch crappie--pronounced "craw-pee"), made friends with a classic country girl and a Brazilian volleyball player, met a real country cowboy, had some of the best conversations with Jacob, and learned to tolerate some country music. I cleaned more toilets, mopped more floors, and pulled more weeds than most people in their whole life.

I feel like the opportunity to work at the CY this summer was a second chance given to me to see Tennessee in a new light. They've been the best three months of this past year. See you next year, guys.

Sidenote: pictorial evidence does exist of both the crappie and shotgun experience. Somehow they are in the possession of my boss....long story.

Relenting

Once upon a time, a time that seemed so long ago (despite it being only a year) that it was almost becoming a distant sort of dream, someone dear to me once accused me of not trying hard enough. Little did they know how those words would echo in my mind, how they would haunt me. I don't hold anything against them for saying that; they were absolutely right, especially in the context of the situation. Nonetheless, I'm afraid it's quite true. I'm too impassive, too willing to let things happen as they will, too disposed to accept things as they are. There's a French proverb that says only dead fish swim with the current. I suppose that's what I am: a dead fish.

I'm not a fighter. I used to think that I was one to pick my fights, one who would stand up to the challenge and face it head on when it arose, one who would struggle to get what I want the most. A valiant defender when my beliefs were called into question, a proactive person when it came to getting what I desire and yearn for.

But not anymore.

A Rather Religious Post

I had to work today, so I did not get a chance to go to church. 

I wish I could have gone to church. 

Someone once asked me if going to church every week was necessary to be a Christian. I hesitated in saying yes, because I think it depends on the person. But for me, personally, the answer would be yes. I really benefit from it. 

I was reading a talk given by Dieter F. Uchtdorf (Waiting on the Road to Damascus), and there is a section about serving others. He mentions that as we become answers to someone else's prayers by actively serving them, we find the answers to our own prayers. 

There is a saying, a truth in my own experience and personal belief, that often times the Lord answers our prayers vicariously other people. I love this concept, this strategy, if you will. The little ways in which God reminds us that he is not only there but keenly aware of us is so comforting in such a tumultuous world full of troubles--whether personal or global. That direct method of letting us know that he hears you is reassuring, a further testament that he is there. 

I believe there was a time that I was somewhat ungrateful for the people in my life. Perhaps not ungrateful, but not aware of how fortunate I was that they were there for me, that they were a part of my life, great influences on the person I have become. And then boom, suddenly they are no longer very close, and I experience a rude awakening. 

Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow....right? 

Just thought I'd share.