Wow...i'm no longer in my early 20's.Each birthday, as I ponder the previous year, I am left with a somewhat pensive appreciation for passing through the perennial gauntlet of life lessons. The 24th year of existence has contributed more by way of growing into myself than any other time in my life. The sweet aroma of metaphorical sweat has left its stench emblazoned in my senses as work has met walls, tears have met trials and life has met love.
Through the frustrations, deliberations and, of course, perspiration—I have had the most wonderful year of my life. I have traveled the country from SF to LA to Las Vegas to NJ to NYC and even slipped out for a quick tour to Ukraine. But the longest journey I have taken is love.
Love.(ya I know I talk about it all the time, but if I'm ever gunna get a chick, i've gotta pretend to be a hopeless romantic, ya dig? Man...camping my style.)
I loved my family as a child. I loved my teddy bear when I was a toddler, Reddy. I loved Hawaii when I was a pre-teen. I loved myself as a teen. I loved my friends in high school. I loved the Lord as a missionary. I loved this year.
And maybe it isn’t so wise to go ranting on about the deepest most wonderful sensation I have ever felt—but I do so to illustrate a point: love is not a stagnant pool of emotion. It is a growing developing changing moving thrilling adventure. As we love deeper, I think that we hope more.
The world puts hope in a cage and traps it. The world says “no, you can’t.” And while Obama might say we can…he doesn’t know. But now I feel like I can do anything. Not because I read something or saw something or touched something…but because I have felt that there is more than simply happiness. There is hope.
What is the freeing power of hope? What is the unknown to conquer all? What is all you need?
This year, my lesson and advice to the world, namely, myself, is simply this—
Keep your heart open to love; for love liberates hope.
(and ya, i KNOW it isn't "camping my style"...but it's a new thing i'm starting)
