Fresh Firsts

I went to confession today. Confession is such a cleansing experience in more ways than one. I found myself cleaning around my room later in the day. I also found myself clearing my thoughts. I told someone once that I try to give everyone the benefit of the doubt by starting each day with a fresh (first) impression of those I encounter. No matter what happened yesterday, I would give you another chance today. I sincerely meant what I said. Unfortunately, those words have started to fade into the background and my current actions have come to the forefront. Sometimes it's good to revert back to old habits, and this is one of those times. Consider our next meeting our first-I hope it's a good one!

Silent Whisperings

There seem to be rather frequent thoughts in the back of my mind having to do with my upcoming career path: "Is this really what I should be doing? Have I taken the 'easy' route by not having taken any risks?" Possibly. But then there are the calm interjections every so often by friends, colleagues, professors ushering me along my path, patiently prodding me that this is where I should be. I take each one as a clue from God. He is reassuring me that I am capable of this job and others are taking notice. I have to thank those who have spoken up--your whisperings are not unappreciated.

In-Flight

The information screen at my gate scrolls through the basics of my flight: it will arrive at 7:33 p.m. local time, we'll be flying on a 319 Airbus, and there will be 120 people on my flight, with 101 of us already checked-in. How incredible. Not including all the people I've already come across at the airport, I will be coming into contact with 119 people I've never met simply by flying today. That means there are possibly 119 people I could prefer to never see again, but who knows, maybe the odds'll be in my favor and I'll make a friend.
(from 9.25.11)

Pathways

I saw a commercial today emphasizing the importance of first steps: a baby's first steps, the first steps into a new school, home, job, first steps down the aisle at your wedding. The commercial stuck me for reasons unknown at the time. Only a few short hours later did I realize the sensation of "taking those first steps." Taking a first step into anything is taking a risk. You approach it knowing that things will change, for better or worse, in big ways or small. There's a hope that things will turn out in your favor and you'll be better off for having stepped forward. You're not stepping backward into the past, retracing your steps, but rather moving forward onto an unmarked path praying for the courage to continue onward. I just hope I've brought my walking shoes.

(from 1/2/12)