Things I’ve Learned in Life

#6

One of the best moments of growing up is realizing what you love and not caring one single bit what other people think.

The weekend, so far

I hope someone will appreciate this post.  If one person somewhat understands, I will be infinitely happy.

Since Friday night, I’ve been on an urban retreat in Atlanta with the Berry and KSU CSA groups.  I’ve forgotten how amazing they are.  I have successfully removed most of the crap from my life, left behind the things that comfort me in my everyday life, that define what others see in me, and reminded myself what is truly important to me.  I’ve met incredible people that in less than 48 hours, have opened up to me, told me things that they have never told anyone, and shown me how beautiful the human soul can be.

The homeless shelter was one of the most moving experiences, by far.  I’ve been before, but it was years ago and it didn’t hit me like it did today.  I could type forever about it, but here are a few things that I feel were important.

There were kids there.  Families.  I saw a little boy about 4 years old sit down and ask for “some soup pwease.”  I still don’t understand how I didn’t break down.  A big thing that I’ve been into for the past few years is really appreciating what I have.  I think thats why I’ve been so happy since college.  No matter how crappy my personal life gets, no matter how hard the projects or who I’m arguing with, I am a student at a dang good college, who can afford it and who can afford to eat, be on a computer, and buy things for leisure.  And I am alive.  I don’t need to be happy at all points in my life, but I know that no matter what, I should appreciate the things I have.  I am one of the luckiest people on this earth and every day I make sure I remember that.

The second thing that happened at the shelter was my encounter with a man.  I was holding a rag, about to clean up a table, and a homeless taps me on the shoulder and says, “here, I want you to have this.”  Taking the folded up scrap paper from his hands I thank him and ask him what is was.  He replied, “good thoughts,” turned around and left the shelter.  I opened up the paper, which had something random printed on the back, no doubt he just found it on the ground, to find hand written quotes.  This man had taken the things important to him and chosen me to share them with.  By the time I realized this, unfortunately, he had left.  I was, and still am, moved, to say the least.

I’ve heard amazing stories this weekend.  I wish I had some of these people’s courage and faith.  Each one of them is at a level that I had almost lost hope in seeing in college students and I will push even harder in hopes that I may someday be as good of a person as they all are.  None of them will soon be forgotten.

I’m not one that brings up my faith without it has been mentioned in a conversation.  I’m even less likely to write about it publicly.  I tend to try to lead by example.  A friend of mine loves the Saint Francis of Assisi quote, “Preach the gospel at all times.  If necessary, use words.” Whether you are a Christian or not, I have three “truths” or things that I feel everyone ought to do or know.  This trip has helped reinforce, in my mind, that these are the only things one really needs to know.  As of now, they are what you might call my meaning of life.

1.  Love everybody.

2.  Appreciate everything that you have.  No matter what, its more than some people.

3.  Everyone can be happy, regardless of who they are or their situation.

I feel I’ve been rambling, but much has happened this weekend and its still bouncing around in my head. So I’ll sum it up with some key thoughts right now.

To all of my friends: I cannot stress how much you mean to me and how important you are in my life.  I love you, you are my family, and I would do anything for my family.

Almost anything I have, I have not earned, but have been given.  I am one of the luckiest people in the world to have all the insane opportunities I have and chances are, if you are reading this, you are too.  There are people out there with less.  Way less.  If you don’t feel the need to help them, just please, acknowledge them.  We all bleed the same blood.

Thanks for reading this.  God bless you.