I watched the movie "Goal" the other night. It is an amazing story of courage, sacrifice and staying the course and doing what you believe you were meant to do. I can relate. Not in the "I wanna be a professional soccer player" way - but in the way of finding the original path I truly believe I was supposed to follow many years ago.
Yet - had I followed that path many years ago, I would not be where I am today - so I believe the path diverted as it was supposed to. Here is my story.
When I was 18 I was less than kind to my parents. I was hard headed and desired my independence and my parents knew I wasn't really ready to be a grown up. I had a fantasy of living in an apartment, going to college away from home and being my own boss. I had the idea but no financial independence to do so. Therefore, I did not move out and I was pretty undecided about what I wanted to do for the rest of my life so I wanted to escape. I called a Navy recruiter and inquired about joining the Navy as I wanted to pursue a career in Physical Therapy. On the phone the man was all "Oh yeah - we have a great program. I'd love to come out and talk through the details." So I invited the man to our home.
The day he was to arrive I was nervous - unsure if I should join but I knew I was not really ready for college - I just wanted to go somewhere - anywhere and thought the Navy would lead me there. The recruiter arrived at our home about the time we were eating dinner. I showed him in and gestured to the couch and explained we would be finished eating in a few moments but he didn't take a seat on the couch he sat down at our table. I didn't care for that and thought it completely rude. Strike One.
I had an eye opening experience that night as I found out there wasn't a Physical Therapy program but a great Rad tech opportunity. I didn't want that - I specifically asked about PT. Strike Two. He wasn't making me trust him at all and I was really uneasy about the offers he presented because quite frankly he hadn't been truthful from the beginning - he only wanted his foot in the door to sell me on the opportunities he did have. I listened and when he was finished I told him I was going to consider his offer but as he stood up to leave he told me I would only have three days to make a decision and then the "offer" would expire. Strike Three.
I didn't follow the path because I didn't feel right. I deviated and put my career and school on hold to become an exchange student to Sweden. After a year of growing up I knew I only had the choice of going to school - depleted of my funds I could only afford the community college and so my life and its path set in motion.
Flash forward a few years (a few a few times)I again entertained thoughts of the Navy and even spoke to a Navy recruiter in 2003 about options but nothing seemed to fit my life so once again I abandoned the idea. Yet, by the time I was finishing up my MPA from Grand Valley I started to wonder what I was going to do with my life. Don't get me wrong - I love being a stay at home mom as it is the most rewarding job in the world - but there would come a day I would have to work and I needed to have a plan. My panic caused me to search Monster.com for ideas.
Navy appeared once again. This time for those with a Master degree. Hold on! I have one of those! The job posting was for a health care administrator - something I was interested in - this would be it. I called and talked with a great gal named Cheryl. While I had a Masters degree I had the wrong one. I needed an MHA or MBA. Nuts. I could've walked away but this time - this time was different. It was as if, this was the opportunity to serve - to fulfill the path I attempted when I was 18. If it would be meant to be everything would fall into place.
Well. I started my MBA program with an emphasis in healthcare in August of 2008. I will finish my MBA on May 28, 2010. Two weeks ago I received my final select letter welcoming me as a LTJG in the United States Medical Service Corps as a healthcare administrator. I am finally going to be a part of the Navy family - finally having the opportunity to serve. I am thankful I am married to a loving and supportive husband that allowed me to dream, set a goal and work to see it through. I am thankful for loving and supporting friends and family. I am thankful for the professionals that assisted along the way. I am thankful to God - for defining the path and while I took a really long winding road to get to this point - the side journey has been well worth it.
So. I won't tell you how the movie ends - but it is a wonderful film and embraces the spirit of drive and desire. Rent it, you won't be disappointed.
This was the goal. Now it is time to set another one.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Holy Cow
Holy Cow. It has been since MAY 2009 that I've not written. I could ask where the time went but my kids would tell you I've been buried under an emerging MBA. Has it been since May that I've taken the time to write my thoughts?
I can tell you it hasn't been because I've lacked thoughts. Just time and that is not a good thing.
Time. How precious it is. Country songs have been written about the passage of time - all seem to pass on the idea of a bit of regret for not taking advantage of the here and now which puts my brain in motion. I have chosen to take on the MBA. I accepted at the time the amount of time and energy it would require to obtain the distinction. However - would I regret NOT taking on the program had I known about the time I would lose?
I find myself saying "My house will be a whole lot cleaner when I'm done." "My family will have better meals when I'm done." "I'll have more time to focus on working out when I'm done." When I'm done. Done with what? I say school now - but come summer it will be something else! Is it just my personality then - to become consumed as a way to escape the grid of normal living? What does this say about me? I shudder a bit. Then I think about what I've asked of my family - the sacrifice of time.
So - does the sacrifice I've asked of my husband and kids - the personal and financial sacrifice for a piece of paper make up for the time I've dedicated toward earning the degree? I don't like the look I get from my son when I have to tell him "no" I won't work out with him because "I have homework." - I hate that the kids will lie in bed and call my name and I'll say "Just a minute" and it turns out to be more like an hour and I've missed kissing them while they were awake and saying "I love you." so they can hear me. I hate it and at the same time I allow it to happen.
What is more important? What is the criteria I use to judge? Do I demonstrate my dedication toward my education and demonstrate how I feel education is important by making my children resent the fact I am earning another degree? Maybe they don't resent it - I think they are often proud - but then again would they tell the truth for fear I may become upset?
I'm almost done and I am counting down the days - not because I don't enjoy the program - but simply because I feel as if life has been passing me by and I haven't enjoyed it. Life is passing - this blog is proof. May 2009. Wow. I only hope this degree leads me where I'm supposed to be - I've tried to do what is necessary - to go the route I've felt has been placed before me - but then again, road maps can be misread. I wonder what my road map will read in a few months.
I can tell you it hasn't been because I've lacked thoughts. Just time and that is not a good thing.
Time. How precious it is. Country songs have been written about the passage of time - all seem to pass on the idea of a bit of regret for not taking advantage of the here and now which puts my brain in motion. I have chosen to take on the MBA. I accepted at the time the amount of time and energy it would require to obtain the distinction. However - would I regret NOT taking on the program had I known about the time I would lose?
I find myself saying "My house will be a whole lot cleaner when I'm done." "My family will have better meals when I'm done." "I'll have more time to focus on working out when I'm done." When I'm done. Done with what? I say school now - but come summer it will be something else! Is it just my personality then - to become consumed as a way to escape the grid of normal living? What does this say about me? I shudder a bit. Then I think about what I've asked of my family - the sacrifice of time.
So - does the sacrifice I've asked of my husband and kids - the personal and financial sacrifice for a piece of paper make up for the time I've dedicated toward earning the degree? I don't like the look I get from my son when I have to tell him "no" I won't work out with him because "I have homework." - I hate that the kids will lie in bed and call my name and I'll say "Just a minute" and it turns out to be more like an hour and I've missed kissing them while they were awake and saying "I love you." so they can hear me. I hate it and at the same time I allow it to happen.
What is more important? What is the criteria I use to judge? Do I demonstrate my dedication toward my education and demonstrate how I feel education is important by making my children resent the fact I am earning another degree? Maybe they don't resent it - I think they are often proud - but then again would they tell the truth for fear I may become upset?
I'm almost done and I am counting down the days - not because I don't enjoy the program - but simply because I feel as if life has been passing me by and I haven't enjoyed it. Life is passing - this blog is proof. May 2009. Wow. I only hope this degree leads me where I'm supposed to be - I've tried to do what is necessary - to go the route I've felt has been placed before me - but then again, road maps can be misread. I wonder what my road map will read in a few months.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
The Stars and Stripes
I was driving home from the baseball game today and the wind picked up outside. I noticed a flag fluttering in the wind - the field of blue with the white stars and the stripes moving and softly folding in on itself before the wind died down and the flag fell limp against the pole.
I don't know why - it struck me today - the thought of "what if I were in another country, would seeing the flag mean more?" I'm not exactly sure why I thought of it - maybe because I find I take much for granted here and I realized it today.
My kids were in school, I was done for the week with my work and my husband was home diligently doing chores. I on the other hand, was in the car driving home after spending an entire morning watching professional baseball and enjoying the company of friends. I thought nothing of getting in the car, driving to a ball park and buying tickets to a game. I thought nothing of what I was wearing - the jeans, tennis shoes, fleece vest. I took for granted the amount of food I had access - and the food I consumed. I thought nothing of running my hands through my uncovered head or the fact I was looking a man in the eye as he spoke.
So a whole lot of not thinking, or considering led to this post. Why? Because I wonder if I would feel more for my flag if everything I thought nothing of was taken in an instant.
We are so entitled and we think nothing of it. We can fly a flag and not consider for a moment what it really represents. How often do we do that with other things in life?
I think then to faith - and how often I make the sign of the cross or offer the sign of peace and not really consider what it means.
I think of the times when I say I'll do something like "we must really get together, you must come for dinner, we need to get the kids together to play, I'd love to help" - and then for one reason or another I don't follow through.
How does this inter-relate to the fact of the flag? It is about it being so common place and overused, it becomes nothing.
When we used to have family gatherings - important family gatherings - we would serve a meal on fine china. China was very rarely used and when it was placed upon the table we recongized the value and significance of the get together. By putting the flag on display each and every day are we somehow forgetting the importance of the flag and what it means?
Or, should we think - if we didn't display the flag would we forget about those who fought for our freedoms?
For those of you that know me - I am conflicted - often questioning, wanting to know more - I desire to be the best I can be but often question my purpose in life. I stand by my passion for citizenship, but how can I be a true citizen when I take so much for granted? I understood it today - when I caught glimpse of the flag and it hit me - out of no where - like a ton of bricks. What would that flag mean to me if I never saw it wave again?
Maybe we should all consider that thought. Maybe we would all be better citizens if we considered the thought just for a moment.
I don't know why - it struck me today - the thought of "what if I were in another country, would seeing the flag mean more?" I'm not exactly sure why I thought of it - maybe because I find I take much for granted here and I realized it today.
My kids were in school, I was done for the week with my work and my husband was home diligently doing chores. I on the other hand, was in the car driving home after spending an entire morning watching professional baseball and enjoying the company of friends. I thought nothing of getting in the car, driving to a ball park and buying tickets to a game. I thought nothing of what I was wearing - the jeans, tennis shoes, fleece vest. I took for granted the amount of food I had access - and the food I consumed. I thought nothing of running my hands through my uncovered head or the fact I was looking a man in the eye as he spoke.
So a whole lot of not thinking, or considering led to this post. Why? Because I wonder if I would feel more for my flag if everything I thought nothing of was taken in an instant.
We are so entitled and we think nothing of it. We can fly a flag and not consider for a moment what it really represents. How often do we do that with other things in life?
I think then to faith - and how often I make the sign of the cross or offer the sign of peace and not really consider what it means.
I think of the times when I say I'll do something like "we must really get together, you must come for dinner, we need to get the kids together to play, I'd love to help" - and then for one reason or another I don't follow through.
How does this inter-relate to the fact of the flag? It is about it being so common place and overused, it becomes nothing.
When we used to have family gatherings - important family gatherings - we would serve a meal on fine china. China was very rarely used and when it was placed upon the table we recongized the value and significance of the get together. By putting the flag on display each and every day are we somehow forgetting the importance of the flag and what it means?
Or, should we think - if we didn't display the flag would we forget about those who fought for our freedoms?
For those of you that know me - I am conflicted - often questioning, wanting to know more - I desire to be the best I can be but often question my purpose in life. I stand by my passion for citizenship, but how can I be a true citizen when I take so much for granted? I understood it today - when I caught glimpse of the flag and it hit me - out of no where - like a ton of bricks. What would that flag mean to me if I never saw it wave again?
Maybe we should all consider that thought. Maybe we would all be better citizens if we considered the thought just for a moment.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
What?
Ok. One of my favorite things to say when there is an observation or obvious mess up is "They must have been smoking crack." It is the only thing I come up with to explain the idiotic outcomes.
Whoever designed the handicap short term parking area at the Gerald R. Ford International must've been smoking crack. Why? Because there is no possible way anyone in a wheelchair could get into the building from the lot unless they go out the in/out areas designed for cars to enter the building from outside the handicap area. There isn't a ramp or curb access at all. Go figure. Who thought up a handicap lot without thinking about curbs and ramps?
Whoever designed the traffic pattern in and out of GreenRidge Square on Alpine. They must have been smoking crack. I don't even know how to explain for those of you that are not familiar with the area - how messed up this traffic pattern is - yet the worst part of all is the fact you are unable to drive straight across the street to the shopping center - you are only allowed to go left or right and neither direction is conducive for getting in the the parking lot. I really cannot stand having to go shopping over on Alpine - near Target because of the mess.
So - next time you are at the airport - check out the handicap lot and let me know what you think.
Whoever designed the handicap short term parking area at the Gerald R. Ford International must've been smoking crack. Why? Because there is no possible way anyone in a wheelchair could get into the building from the lot unless they go out the in/out areas designed for cars to enter the building from outside the handicap area. There isn't a ramp or curb access at all. Go figure. Who thought up a handicap lot without thinking about curbs and ramps?
Whoever designed the traffic pattern in and out of GreenRidge Square on Alpine. They must have been smoking crack. I don't even know how to explain for those of you that are not familiar with the area - how messed up this traffic pattern is - yet the worst part of all is the fact you are unable to drive straight across the street to the shopping center - you are only allowed to go left or right and neither direction is conducive for getting in the the parking lot. I really cannot stand having to go shopping over on Alpine - near Target because of the mess.
So - next time you are at the airport - check out the handicap lot and let me know what you think.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
From the mouths of babes
I enjoy driving. I especially enjoy driving when my children want to talk, ask questions and engage in honest dialogue. Most of the time I am turning up the radio to drown out the fighting, but the other day I turned down the radio so I could listen in - eavesdrop if you will - on the conversation. Ben and Janis were in a hard core conversation about being brother and sister.
Janis mentioned that she is a "sister" to her friend next door and when Ben said she wasn't she about came unglued. Seems Janis and her buddy were discussing the Bible and the notion we are all brothers and sisters. Ben then took the suggestion and indicated there is no way possible we could all be actual brothers and sisters because then no one could get married.
Janis then chimed in she would hate to have another brother because one was simply enough.
The kids could tell I was listening in - as Ben addressed me and asked: "Mom. Why does the Bible say we should treat everyone like brothers and sisters, when all brothers and sisters do is fight?" Good question and the only thing I could think of is "Maybe we do. Maybe that is why we have war."
Ben has a point - he is in a constant struggle with his sister and while they love each other, there is not perfect harmony. He does something to annoy her and she does something back - they love and hate at the same time. Does this exist in war? Can individuals from two different worlds find common ground, yet still have the ability to hate so much? I wrote a while back about the movie "Where in the World is Osama Bin Laden?" and the notion we all want the same things in life - a safe place for our children to grow, a good education and a better life for them. We may see things a bit differently and fight, but we all truly share a common bond...humanity.
So. We have this common bond - we want the best in life and seek to be absolutely loved and accepted - it is what we want in life. Why then do we not allow some people to experience acceptance, love and joy? Why then do we have a community that cannot accept people for who they are - faults and all? Why then do we have a community that would rather hide those, than embrace them?
In church a few weeks ago - the topic was about lepers - how they were shunned from communities and forced to annouce they were "unclean" to those that approached. I listen and think "how horrible it must have been" but then I think of how there are those in our community that are labeled and shunned - the homeless, the adicts, sex offenders, those with AIDS and homosexuals. How is it people in our communities can stand in judgement of others? What makes one person "better" than another and why on earth do we allow it to happen?
Maybe we truly are brothers and sisters.
We point out the faults, tattle, pick on and expose the weaknesses of others.
We should be brothers and sisters of a more forgiving nature, a loving nature, one suggesting support and compassion...then again....what fun would that be?
Janis mentioned that she is a "sister" to her friend next door and when Ben said she wasn't she about came unglued. Seems Janis and her buddy were discussing the Bible and the notion we are all brothers and sisters. Ben then took the suggestion and indicated there is no way possible we could all be actual brothers and sisters because then no one could get married.
Janis then chimed in she would hate to have another brother because one was simply enough.
The kids could tell I was listening in - as Ben addressed me and asked: "Mom. Why does the Bible say we should treat everyone like brothers and sisters, when all brothers and sisters do is fight?" Good question and the only thing I could think of is "Maybe we do. Maybe that is why we have war."
Ben has a point - he is in a constant struggle with his sister and while they love each other, there is not perfect harmony. He does something to annoy her and she does something back - they love and hate at the same time. Does this exist in war? Can individuals from two different worlds find common ground, yet still have the ability to hate so much? I wrote a while back about the movie "Where in the World is Osama Bin Laden?" and the notion we all want the same things in life - a safe place for our children to grow, a good education and a better life for them. We may see things a bit differently and fight, but we all truly share a common bond...humanity.
So. We have this common bond - we want the best in life and seek to be absolutely loved and accepted - it is what we want in life. Why then do we not allow some people to experience acceptance, love and joy? Why then do we have a community that cannot accept people for who they are - faults and all? Why then do we have a community that would rather hide those, than embrace them?
In church a few weeks ago - the topic was about lepers - how they were shunned from communities and forced to annouce they were "unclean" to those that approached. I listen and think "how horrible it must have been" but then I think of how there are those in our community that are labeled and shunned - the homeless, the adicts, sex offenders, those with AIDS and homosexuals. How is it people in our communities can stand in judgement of others? What makes one person "better" than another and why on earth do we allow it to happen?
Maybe we truly are brothers and sisters.
We point out the faults, tattle, pick on and expose the weaknesses of others.
We should be brothers and sisters of a more forgiving nature, a loving nature, one suggesting support and compassion...then again....what fun would that be?
Monday, January 12, 2009
24
I love Jack Bauer. I love him. I love how he is conflicted, how he can love and let go, how he is loyal in the face of uncertainty. I love his style and the fact he can get out of any situation. I love his ability to be aware of his environment. I simply love Jack.
I hate that I have to wait until next week to find out what happens.
What amazes me about the show, is each and every week I know I'll be left hanging - and each and every week I get up after the hour is up and say "I hate this show."
It is also a show where my intensity level elevates and I find myself unable to relax for a few hours after - not sure why I get so caught up, mentally and physically - but I think it is the thought that some of this "Hollywood" isn't so off base. While Jack Bauer is all Hollywood, the situations are all in a realm of reality - and maybe that is what is frightening to me - to live in a world where greed and power are so pervasive. Makes me think. A Lot.
I start to think about those we've elected to office - how it is their own best interest they serve and not ours. While there are those that may go in young and fresh, full of ideals and passion - it is left behind somewhere. I often wonder about the reflection pool near the US Capitol - do you ever think it was put there for our leaders to look into and see if they like the reflection staring back?
I am conflicted these days - in many things - my passions, my desires, my goals, my faith, my government. I think government is operating in places it should not be - meddling and stirring the pot - why just the other day I saw something on the news that indicated an apartment complex made it illegal for people to smoke in their rented apartments. What is that?! Who elected these people? While I gave up smoking years ago and thankful I quit, I still think it is a right for people to smoke....for it is within the law. So we have government that tells us how to live, how to work, how to be healthy, how to be educated....but it cannot follow its own rules.
Without laws we would have no order. I realize that point and I'm not suggesting we go rogue and break the law as we see fit - but I do think we have a responsibility to become vocal and have some input on the law. I do feel we have a duty to serve in our homes and in our communities. I do feel we are not above the law, but nor are we to be held down by it. I think that is ultimately what I love about Jack Bauer.
Until next week...I'll be watching full episodes online.....
I hate that I have to wait until next week to find out what happens.
What amazes me about the show, is each and every week I know I'll be left hanging - and each and every week I get up after the hour is up and say "I hate this show."
It is also a show where my intensity level elevates and I find myself unable to relax for a few hours after - not sure why I get so caught up, mentally and physically - but I think it is the thought that some of this "Hollywood" isn't so off base. While Jack Bauer is all Hollywood, the situations are all in a realm of reality - and maybe that is what is frightening to me - to live in a world where greed and power are so pervasive. Makes me think. A Lot.
I start to think about those we've elected to office - how it is their own best interest they serve and not ours. While there are those that may go in young and fresh, full of ideals and passion - it is left behind somewhere. I often wonder about the reflection pool near the US Capitol - do you ever think it was put there for our leaders to look into and see if they like the reflection staring back?
I am conflicted these days - in many things - my passions, my desires, my goals, my faith, my government. I think government is operating in places it should not be - meddling and stirring the pot - why just the other day I saw something on the news that indicated an apartment complex made it illegal for people to smoke in their rented apartments. What is that?! Who elected these people? While I gave up smoking years ago and thankful I quit, I still think it is a right for people to smoke....for it is within the law. So we have government that tells us how to live, how to work, how to be healthy, how to be educated....but it cannot follow its own rules.
Without laws we would have no order. I realize that point and I'm not suggesting we go rogue and break the law as we see fit - but I do think we have a responsibility to become vocal and have some input on the law. I do feel we have a duty to serve in our homes and in our communities. I do feel we are not above the law, but nor are we to be held down by it. I think that is ultimately what I love about Jack Bauer.
Until next week...I'll be watching full episodes online.....
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Observations
Well - Christmas day is past and so is the New Year but it is the observations of those past few weeks that has me really wondering how we are raising our children. The idea of waiting, and saving for things must be considered so outdated it is no wonder why we are having financial bailouts left and right.
At one event I overheard a mom, as she played with her Blackberry, how her children would constantly fight over the laptop computer in their home. Her solution was simply to go out and buy another one. Now it is peace and quiet and mom doesn't have to listen to the fight. Um. Did I miss something here? I simply shake my head and consider the actions of the adults and then I can understand why our youth do not have a clue. In our house, we have multiple computers and it has nothing to do with sharing issues or solving a fight and our children are not allowed to play on the computer. In our home, the computer is a tool - it is a tool for work and school. Granted I do allow the children an occasional navigational field trip to check explore Webkinz or Club Penguin but those moments are few and far between.
If I heard my kids fighting over the computer they would no longer have access. A fight over a computer is unacceptable - just as a fight over most things is. For fighting over items is irresponsible and we teach our children as such. Yeah - I have perfect kids - they do not fight over things - they fight with each other....that is for another blog on another day.
So. We have the woman that buys her kids a new laptop for fighting. Then we have the young girl who walked up to someone, and I'm thinking it was a relative because the word Aunt was used and demanded her Christmas gift. Outright said "Hey, Aunt So and So. Where is my gift." It was not said sweetly with kisses and sugar - it was more like swoop in and take and when there was no gift it was "You gave so and so theirs. I want mine." Hello? Has the meaning of the word "gift" been redefined? Nothing was said to the young girl - not by the Aunt or the parents nearby. I only shake my head in disappointment our youth are so comfortable demanding from their elders.
I see greed and waste everywhere and I think to myself "are we accustomed to so much we cannot see the value in what we have?" It is sad that we cannot look deeper and reconnect with ourselves, our children and our families and find the true motivation for our existence. We are all here for a purpose - not just to take - we must give back.
For the mom who uses things to solve the issues of parenting - I hope you have a ton of money in the bank - because buying things to make your kids stop fighting will never work. Put down your Blackberry and forget about your personal life. Look at your children and help them discover who they are and show them how fortunate they are. Go camping where you having nothing but the clothes on your back - reconnect.
For the young gal who demanded a gift. What have you done for your mom or dad? What have you done for your Aunt? Give of yourself and maybe it will be a whole lot easier for Auntie to reward your efforts.
I don't want to give up on people - as I think there is much we are able to do. I also don't have to look far to see the good works of people right here in my community. Works of those that really understand there is something greater than themselves. If you want to be inspired - check out one of my new favorite blog, Jesus on the Street.
Welcome to the new year - where we make resolutions to better ourselves. If we can better ourselves, we can better our communities.
At one event I overheard a mom, as she played with her Blackberry, how her children would constantly fight over the laptop computer in their home. Her solution was simply to go out and buy another one. Now it is peace and quiet and mom doesn't have to listen to the fight. Um. Did I miss something here? I simply shake my head and consider the actions of the adults and then I can understand why our youth do not have a clue. In our house, we have multiple computers and it has nothing to do with sharing issues or solving a fight and our children are not allowed to play on the computer. In our home, the computer is a tool - it is a tool for work and school. Granted I do allow the children an occasional navigational field trip to check explore Webkinz or Club Penguin but those moments are few and far between.
If I heard my kids fighting over the computer they would no longer have access. A fight over a computer is unacceptable - just as a fight over most things is. For fighting over items is irresponsible and we teach our children as such. Yeah - I have perfect kids - they do not fight over things - they fight with each other....that is for another blog on another day.
So. We have the woman that buys her kids a new laptop for fighting. Then we have the young girl who walked up to someone, and I'm thinking it was a relative because the word Aunt was used and demanded her Christmas gift. Outright said "Hey, Aunt So and So. Where is my gift." It was not said sweetly with kisses and sugar - it was more like swoop in and take and when there was no gift it was "You gave so and so theirs. I want mine." Hello? Has the meaning of the word "gift" been redefined? Nothing was said to the young girl - not by the Aunt or the parents nearby. I only shake my head in disappointment our youth are so comfortable demanding from their elders.
I see greed and waste everywhere and I think to myself "are we accustomed to so much we cannot see the value in what we have?" It is sad that we cannot look deeper and reconnect with ourselves, our children and our families and find the true motivation for our existence. We are all here for a purpose - not just to take - we must give back.
For the mom who uses things to solve the issues of parenting - I hope you have a ton of money in the bank - because buying things to make your kids stop fighting will never work. Put down your Blackberry and forget about your personal life. Look at your children and help them discover who they are and show them how fortunate they are. Go camping where you having nothing but the clothes on your back - reconnect.
For the young gal who demanded a gift. What have you done for your mom or dad? What have you done for your Aunt? Give of yourself and maybe it will be a whole lot easier for Auntie to reward your efforts.
I don't want to give up on people - as I think there is much we are able to do. I also don't have to look far to see the good works of people right here in my community. Works of those that really understand there is something greater than themselves. If you want to be inspired - check out one of my new favorite blog, Jesus on the Street.
Welcome to the new year - where we make resolutions to better ourselves. If we can better ourselves, we can better our communities.
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