With how much we are shown the torture, the crisis and the pain that goes on in our world, it is sometimes so easy to forget what the heart of humanity can look like. These past few days I have been moved to tears multiple times because of people. None of these have been people that I know, just happen to cross paths at certain times. The first was on Saturday morning while I was running. There were two men going for a run together, both decked out in their athletic gear and looked like they were ready to go. However, one of these men was in a wheelchair and suffered from some sort of muscle disease. The man that laid in this specialized wheelchair had the biggest smile I have ever seen plastered across his face. The second man that was pushing the wheelchair also sported a beautiful smile as he stretched. I said hello, as I do whenever I pass someone while running, but I couldn't help to keep smiling. Then I stopped and started crying (yes, in the middle of my run, burst out in tears, on the side of the road-probably a really humorous site for passerby's). I couldn't not help but be overwhelmed by the beauty of what I had just seen. This was a natural, most likely daily thing for these two by the looks of their fitness level, attire, and comfort of the situation. Another was a group standing on the side of Roosevelt Rd. today holding large neon signs for a car wash. I pulled over and asked what they were trying to raise money for and the man informed me that they were trying to fundraise for a family that had recently lost everything in a fire, their home and all of their belongings. Thankfully, everyone was safe, but they had to start their lives over. I didn't know the situation of who these people were, but they were devoting time and energy to help out a friend, family member or who knows, maybe even just an acquaintance. The last one that I am going to talk about wasn't someone I came across but a video that I was shown today....
This man has such a pure heart. The love that he shows for his fiancee is just unconditional. All of these people are full of love. A love that hopefully all of us will experience in our lives in some capacity.
Each of these encounters has brought me to examine aspects of my life. Thinking about what I am actually doing with my days, how I am treating those around me, the love I am pouring out, am I really serving those around me? A good friend of mine spoke into my life earlier this summer and reminded me of some lyrics from a favorite band of mine that really struck a chord in my heart..."In these bodies we will live/ in these bodies we will die/ where you invest your love/ is where you invest your life."-Mumford & Sons. Something to evaluate on a daily basis..where am I really investing all of my love?
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
The Life of a Nomad
With this past week spent at my aunt's beautiful cabin at the Lake of the Ozarks, I was somewhat in the middle of nowhere, therefore no internet. The lack of time in between locations didn't provide for enough time for me to post before I left either, so here is an update since camp.
STLF Leadership Camp 2011 blew me out of the water. With the title, "Camp Wannalead," we themed the camp along the lines of old school summer camp, which turned out incredible! A mess hall, main lodge, and bunks completed by about 70 eager young people ready to do something different. These students were from all different backgrounds which allowed for a great dynamic. I was fortunate to direct a group of 15 recent high school graduates. The beginning of the week was a little rough for me, considering it was the first time I was really sick since last year. However, I had two wonderful women at my side for these graduates as well as an incredibly staff around me. Alright, back to the "leaders" (we referred to the campers as leaders, because everyone really is one!). When I talk about these young people, there is no amount of descriptive words I could give to do them justice. There was a wide variety of personalities and interests and future plans. Some are taking a gap year and doing things like biking 9,000 miles or traveling the world starting in Australia. Others are gettin' right down to it and going to school studying neuroscience, sociology, art and crazy things! These are people to watch out for, they will be changing the world, they will be the extraordinaries we are talking about over coffee.
On my mind a lot lately has also been goal setting. As far as school and work go, I usually am pretty set on achieving a goal. However, I feel as if I make personal goals all the time that I don't follow through on. Pretty sure the last one I feel that I accomplished was memorizing all the words to "Bust a Move" spring semester of my sophomore year. Looking back at ones I have set and not accomplished though, I am not disappointed with them at all. I have honestly learned something about myself through each of these. Set out to read all the classics, which I would still love to do, but it has given me the opportunity to search for more books in general and realizing what is a classic? Who defines what great books are?
Anyways, much love! Missing all of my world traveler friends lots recently.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xy4FXhkm6Nw
(I suggest this is a goal you accomplish as well...)
STLF Leadership Camp 2011 blew me out of the water. With the title, "Camp Wannalead," we themed the camp along the lines of old school summer camp, which turned out incredible! A mess hall, main lodge, and bunks completed by about 70 eager young people ready to do something different. These students were from all different backgrounds which allowed for a great dynamic. I was fortunate to direct a group of 15 recent high school graduates. The beginning of the week was a little rough for me, considering it was the first time I was really sick since last year. However, I had two wonderful women at my side for these graduates as well as an incredibly staff around me. Alright, back to the "leaders" (we referred to the campers as leaders, because everyone really is one!). When I talk about these young people, there is no amount of descriptive words I could give to do them justice. There was a wide variety of personalities and interests and future plans. Some are taking a gap year and doing things like biking 9,000 miles or traveling the world starting in Australia. Others are gettin' right down to it and going to school studying neuroscience, sociology, art and crazy things! These are people to watch out for, they will be changing the world, they will be the extraordinaries we are talking about over coffee.
On my mind a lot lately has also been goal setting. As far as school and work go, I usually am pretty set on achieving a goal. However, I feel as if I make personal goals all the time that I don't follow through on. Pretty sure the last one I feel that I accomplished was memorizing all the words to "Bust a Move" spring semester of my sophomore year. Looking back at ones I have set and not accomplished though, I am not disappointed with them at all. I have honestly learned something about myself through each of these. Set out to read all the classics, which I would still love to do, but it has given me the opportunity to search for more books in general and realizing what is a classic? Who defines what great books are?
Anyways, much love! Missing all of my world traveler friends lots recently.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xy4FXhkm6Nw
(I suggest this is a goal you accomplish as well...)
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