Mistakes happen. They are part of life. My question to you is this: what do you do after your mistake? Do you use it to better yourself, help enlighten others or stay the same? I think that those are roughly the options you have.
To learn from a mistake, it can be small, medium or large. It doesn't have to be ground-breaking and earth-shattering to learn something. You can learn from even little mistakes and go "oh, I'll never do that again!" Or, your decision to never repeat something can occur after a lot of blood, sweat and tears and maybe someone getting upset and mad at you. I hope for the sake of argument, you have never made a mistake that big, but if you did, that you learned from it.
Staying the same and not moving on is often the easy choice. Learning can be more of a challenge. You can even learn from others mistakes, but that is harder to do. Many people have to go through the fire themselves in order to learn the lesson, or so they claim. I am one of those people who learn through doing, including mistakes. However, do some people use that as an excuse? They really, really, really want to do something that they know is wrong and everyone is telling them is wrong, but they just want to do it anyway because they know for the time being, it will be fun. They throw out this "I just need to see it's a mistake for myself and then I'll learn" line, but is it really an excuse to get away with something they know is wrong?
Borrowing a thought from a wonderful TV show, it's like smelling milk you know to be bad. Someone reaches into the fridge, smells the milk and gags, then turns around and holds it out to you, saying "here, smell this: it's awful!" Automatic response? You smell it of course. But why do we do that? We learn through doing.
Listen, even if you learn through doing, don't let that be your excuse to do something you know you shouldn't, I guess that's my bottom line. Listen to reason, listen to people who have gone before you and made the mistake before you. If someone advises you strongly against something and in your heart of hearts you know it's wrong, don't hide behind the "I have to learn for myself" shield because it's pretty thin and flimsy: you WILL get hurt, even if you don't feel it for awhile.
24 September 2009
14 September 2009
for your consideration, I present to you: the light bulb
So I asked Jesse what I should write about in my update, and his response was "incandescent light bulbs." Rarely a dull moment with that guy. Here goes nothing!
Everyone knows what incandescent light bulb are: the little light bulbs that contain a little filament, first invented by Mr. Thomas Edison. Seeing as how these were the first light bulbs created and we're still using them today, they seem pretty reliable and like a good idea, right?
Wrong. According to our government, these little bulbs are a bad deal. Incandescent light bulbs, apparently, use too much power. Consider this: the power we enjoy in our homes to turn on the incandescent light is powered by the power plants which burns coal as the fuel. Burning coal releases Carbon Dioxide into the environment which is the big cause of the green house effect we experience in the world. Obviously. So, by banning the use of this type of light bulb, we are going to save the environment by going green. Splendid.
So let's now consider the alternative option: fluorescent light bulbs, also known as the little "spirly light bulbs" in my house. The claim is that these little guys save about 70-80 watts per bulb. Ok, I'm fine with this. Now, let's bring all the facts together. Incandescent bulbs, which apparently use too much power which apparently puts too much Carbon Dixoide into the environment which apparently is causing the global warming, are the bulbs being banned. Flourescent bulbs are going to be THE bulb to use in America because they last SO much longer. Oh, something to mention about the flourescent bulb, they contain mercury. Which is more dangerous and a much more real threat then global warming (in my opinion). And by the by, they don't work in the cold. Good luck lighting anything, New England and all you northern states. The only apparent plus to the flourescent bulb is the fact they look cooler. Alright, I'll give them a second: they do last awhile. However, it has been proven that the incandescent light bulb will last much, much longer if the bulb is placed on a dimmer switch (they burn out because the flip of the switch exerts so much power through the bulb that they burn out faster-- a dimmer switch allows for a slower exertion of power).
Why are we banning the incandescent light bulb? Because a couple other countries have done it and the tree huggers are concerned with too much power being used? I really wouldn't have a problem with these activist people, except I bet every single one of them use light bulbs too. Jesse told me that this particular gem of a bill was snuck through in the shadow of a bigger bill that our president passed. Bills that are covers for other little things that people want passed are a whole other rant though.
So by the year 2012, you won't be able to buy incandescent light bulbs. Because our government is controlling what kind of light bulbs we can buy. Light bulbs. Because they use up too much power. Something to think about..
Everyone knows what incandescent light bulb are: the little light bulbs that contain a little filament, first invented by Mr. Thomas Edison. Seeing as how these were the first light bulbs created and we're still using them today, they seem pretty reliable and like a good idea, right?
Wrong. According to our government, these little bulbs are a bad deal. Incandescent light bulbs, apparently, use too much power. Consider this: the power we enjoy in our homes to turn on the incandescent light is powered by the power plants which burns coal as the fuel. Burning coal releases Carbon Dioxide into the environment which is the big cause of the green house effect we experience in the world. Obviously. So, by banning the use of this type of light bulb, we are going to save the environment by going green. Splendid.
So let's now consider the alternative option: fluorescent light bulbs, also known as the little "spirly light bulbs" in my house. The claim is that these little guys save about 70-80 watts per bulb. Ok, I'm fine with this. Now, let's bring all the facts together. Incandescent bulbs, which apparently use too much power which apparently puts too much Carbon Dixoide into the environment which apparently is causing the global warming, are the bulbs being banned. Flourescent bulbs are going to be THE bulb to use in America because they last SO much longer. Oh, something to mention about the flourescent bulb, they contain mercury. Which is more dangerous and a much more real threat then global warming (in my opinion). And by the by, they don't work in the cold. Good luck lighting anything, New England and all you northern states. The only apparent plus to the flourescent bulb is the fact they look cooler. Alright, I'll give them a second: they do last awhile. However, it has been proven that the incandescent light bulb will last much, much longer if the bulb is placed on a dimmer switch (they burn out because the flip of the switch exerts so much power through the bulb that they burn out faster-- a dimmer switch allows for a slower exertion of power).
Why are we banning the incandescent light bulb? Because a couple other countries have done it and the tree huggers are concerned with too much power being used? I really wouldn't have a problem with these activist people, except I bet every single one of them use light bulbs too. Jesse told me that this particular gem of a bill was snuck through in the shadow of a bigger bill that our president passed. Bills that are covers for other little things that people want passed are a whole other rant though.
So by the year 2012, you won't be able to buy incandescent light bulbs. Because our government is controlling what kind of light bulbs we can buy. Light bulbs. Because they use up too much power. Something to think about..
09 September 2009
can I please have a neon sign? ok, thanks.
I sometimes believe that my life could make a good book, with a title like "Just Because You Think You Know Where You're Going Doesn't Mean That's Where You'll End Up." Obviously I'm still working on the title, but you get my point. If someone from the future had told me my freshman year of college that this is where I would be 4 years later, I probably would have laughed at whoever it was. Where I am now is nowhere close to where I thought I would be. I don't say that with regret at all..I honestly believe I am in a better place then I could have imagined, and I feel like I could say that about a lot of experiences I've had these past 4 years. I do also secretly wish that before Jesse and I had gotten married, he would have clued me in to what an interesting and excellent adventure our lives were going to be.
God has this pretty cool way of getting you where you need to be. Fortunately for those of us who don't take the simple nudge, He also operates in knocking you over the head, trial and error, and providing your life with a neon sign that says "AMBER GO THIS WAY!" or something with your name in the lights. The road He may set you on may have trials and hardships; you might get hurt; you might have an absolute blast and see nothing but blue skies and clear sailing. Regardless of how you get there, He will get you there and you will learn the lessons needed along the way. When I first moved to Arizona, I couldn't understand why I was here. Why did I need to be so far away from my comfortable home to start a new home out here? Why couldn't Jesse and I start married life somewhere else, closer to family? What a road the first 6 months out here was..looking back, I don't regret it. How could I? The things I learned, through the laughter and tears, have made me a better person. I was thrown into the world with pretty much no life experience which made me lean more heavily on the only person I had. Jesse and I had to figure so much out on our own or through helpful (sometimes not helpful at all) phone calls with our parents. I can honestly say now that we learned so much out here and we grew so much closer then I think we would have if we had stayed somewhere comfortable. Another lesson I've learned: if you're too comfortable where you are to learn what God has in store for you, He just might move you somewhere else. i.e. move you to the desert.
I wish I could offer everyone encouragement who is going through a rough time. All I can say is hold on: God could be in the middle of working something excellent out in your life that you just can't see. Keep your eyes open, He may be getting ready to light your very own neon sign and it will all make sense.
God has this pretty cool way of getting you where you need to be. Fortunately for those of us who don't take the simple nudge, He also operates in knocking you over the head, trial and error, and providing your life with a neon sign that says "AMBER GO THIS WAY!" or something with your name in the lights. The road He may set you on may have trials and hardships; you might get hurt; you might have an absolute blast and see nothing but blue skies and clear sailing. Regardless of how you get there, He will get you there and you will learn the lessons needed along the way. When I first moved to Arizona, I couldn't understand why I was here. Why did I need to be so far away from my comfortable home to start a new home out here? Why couldn't Jesse and I start married life somewhere else, closer to family? What a road the first 6 months out here was..looking back, I don't regret it. How could I? The things I learned, through the laughter and tears, have made me a better person. I was thrown into the world with pretty much no life experience which made me lean more heavily on the only person I had. Jesse and I had to figure so much out on our own or through helpful (sometimes not helpful at all) phone calls with our parents. I can honestly say now that we learned so much out here and we grew so much closer then I think we would have if we had stayed somewhere comfortable. Another lesson I've learned: if you're too comfortable where you are to learn what God has in store for you, He just might move you somewhere else. i.e. move you to the desert.
I wish I could offer everyone encouragement who is going through a rough time. All I can say is hold on: God could be in the middle of working something excellent out in your life that you just can't see. Keep your eyes open, He may be getting ready to light your very own neon sign and it will all make sense.
13 June 2009
And your priorities are where?
Yes, I realize it has roughly been forever since I last posted. Deal with it, life happens, and I had nothing to say. This has now changed.
So I listen to a talk show radio station. I'm not really sure how to describe it, but it's really interesting to me, and often catches my attention as the hosts explain little bits about what is going on in the country. Obviously it has a lot to do with politics and individual perceptions on what all is going on. However, what really caught my notice the other day was the discussion about what would happen if you lost your job.
A "sub" host recently lost his job at a different radio station. The co-host was asking how he felt, what he was going to do, etc. The guy who lost his job was commenting that it was kind of nice being able to bum around and live off his severance package for awhile. He wasn't looking for a job yet, but he would, and until then he was just kind of "bumming around." What struck me as so odd was the focus that came up on such lame materialistic things.
Pet peeve #1: materialistic people.
Through the discussion, the host that had lost his job was talking about how he might have to get rid of his pool and lawn service. I mean, yes, this is Arizona and pretty much everyone has a pool..but can't you just take care of it yourself? Has the United States become THAT lazy that we (as Americans) can't take care of our own stuff? I was kind of appalled..when I (we) own property, I'm pretty darn certain that *we* will be taking care of it. All of it. I understand, the lawn service people are great, they need jobs too, blah blah blah. But..this is a guy. With a family. He needs a lawn service? He is too busy to take care of his OWN lawn? Yards in Arizona aren't that big people..and they rarely have grass. He had to cut down on his lawn service AND his pool service..ouch. How in the world will these things be taken care of..
As Americans, this seems to be the trend: lose job. Obtain severance package. Live off of severance package for a few months, while cutting back on the frequency of Starbucks visits. Think about getting another job. Then what? What happened to being proactive and actually taking care of yourself? Personally, I know Jesse and I want to be able to eventually have enough money in the bank to live for 6 months if neither of us had jobs. This talk show host? Said he might be able to make 3. MIGHT be able to.
Is this the new American way? I know this was just one guy..it just really hit me wrong. I know that not everyone is lazy: I know so many people who aren't, and work hard for everything they have. But..where are the priorities in life? Is it behind the "stuff" or behind what is really important, such as, oh I don't know, survival? When push comes to shove, it's going to be survival of the fittest and the government won't be able to print enough money to bail the whole country out. Where are most Americans putting all their money? Jesse and I recently went to visit a big city- which will remain anonymous- and we were struck with how materialistic it all felt. Everything revolved around being entertained and the actual city. We hated it to be honest.
Where are your priorities? What do you want to spend your money on? Is it for the immediate pleasure that will soon pass, or is it delayed gratification? This is equally hard for me, especially when I want something new, so I'm not saying I'm above this. I know that what the talk show was discussing just hit me wrong, but it really got me thinking about what and how I prioritize things I "need" versus things I "want."
So I listen to a talk show radio station. I'm not really sure how to describe it, but it's really interesting to me, and often catches my attention as the hosts explain little bits about what is going on in the country. Obviously it has a lot to do with politics and individual perceptions on what all is going on. However, what really caught my notice the other day was the discussion about what would happen if you lost your job.
A "sub" host recently lost his job at a different radio station. The co-host was asking how he felt, what he was going to do, etc. The guy who lost his job was commenting that it was kind of nice being able to bum around and live off his severance package for awhile. He wasn't looking for a job yet, but he would, and until then he was just kind of "bumming around." What struck me as so odd was the focus that came up on such lame materialistic things.
Pet peeve #1: materialistic people.
Through the discussion, the host that had lost his job was talking about how he might have to get rid of his pool and lawn service. I mean, yes, this is Arizona and pretty much everyone has a pool..but can't you just take care of it yourself? Has the United States become THAT lazy that we (as Americans) can't take care of our own stuff? I was kind of appalled..when I (we) own property, I'm pretty darn certain that *we* will be taking care of it. All of it. I understand, the lawn service people are great, they need jobs too, blah blah blah. But..this is a guy. With a family. He needs a lawn service? He is too busy to take care of his OWN lawn? Yards in Arizona aren't that big people..and they rarely have grass. He had to cut down on his lawn service AND his pool service..ouch. How in the world will these things be taken care of..
As Americans, this seems to be the trend: lose job. Obtain severance package. Live off of severance package for a few months, while cutting back on the frequency of Starbucks visits. Think about getting another job. Then what? What happened to being proactive and actually taking care of yourself? Personally, I know Jesse and I want to be able to eventually have enough money in the bank to live for 6 months if neither of us had jobs. This talk show host? Said he might be able to make 3. MIGHT be able to.
Is this the new American way? I know this was just one guy..it just really hit me wrong. I know that not everyone is lazy: I know so many people who aren't, and work hard for everything they have. But..where are the priorities in life? Is it behind the "stuff" or behind what is really important, such as, oh I don't know, survival? When push comes to shove, it's going to be survival of the fittest and the government won't be able to print enough money to bail the whole country out. Where are most Americans putting all their money? Jesse and I recently went to visit a big city- which will remain anonymous- and we were struck with how materialistic it all felt. Everything revolved around being entertained and the actual city. We hated it to be honest.
Where are your priorities? What do you want to spend your money on? Is it for the immediate pleasure that will soon pass, or is it delayed gratification? This is equally hard for me, especially when I want something new, so I'm not saying I'm above this. I know that what the talk show was discussing just hit me wrong, but it really got me thinking about what and how I prioritize things I "need" versus things I "want."
02 October 2008
"Cause you want to belong...do you go along?"
While I could sit here and lie to you that there are not many things in the world that bother me, this is not the case. Unfortunately, there is a list of things that get on my nerves, and since this is my blog and I can talk about whatever in the world I feel like, I shall now speak on one of them.
Starbucks.
Please don't hate me and judge me right now. At least wait until the end of this and give me a chance to explain. And I shall start with this as an explanation: it's not just Starbucks, but most coffee in general. Or rather, the way people think about and drink coffee.
I am a self-proclaimed mild-coffee snob. And since I work with coffee and know how to pull a perfect shot of espresso and steam milk to the right consistency for a great cappuccino, I think that I have a right to be somewhat. However, if you want to discuss real coffee with a real coffee snob, please check out this crazy kid and request his opinion. Since working with coffee, I have come to a couple of general conclusions: (1) people rarely really like coffee, (2) what people prefer is the idea of coffee rather then the actual beverage, (3) people feel "professional" or "cool" to be seen with a coffee cup in hand and so they drink it, and (4) people like the caffeine associated with coffee. Going from the top down, (1)- I watch people everyday order a coffee and then drown it in sugar and cream. This is no longer coffee, but sugar-milk with a slight coffee taste and a caffeine kick. (2)- Goes along with (1). Instead of enjoying the taste of coffee- and we're talking straight brewed coffee, nothing fancy like a mocha latte- people like the image that drinking coffee gives them, whether that be a grown up and professional look or a middle/high schooler carrying java around. These people probably fill the cup half full of flavoured creamer, and add some coffee in. (3) Goes back to (2). I remember in high school and even some in middle school how "cool" it seemed to go hang out at the local coffee house and order a drink. Even if I just got a steamer or hot chocolate. (4) Caffeine. Self-explanatory, and the only reason that drinks like Red Bull and Monster are popular.
Now. Since I have explained a little, I shall now continue on to Starbucks, which is a coffee shop so all of the generalizations from before fit in here. This shop is vastly popular for some reason. Maybe it's the fact that "small, medium, and large" are not good enough, and we had to go "tall, vente, and grande." But "tall" isn't that tall so let's not call it that, ok? Because honestly, their coffee is bitter and not that good. And frappuccino. Oh I hate these. I have, on occasion, ordered this drink when I wanted a drink that was something like a milkshake, so I'm not judging people who like it, but let's face it: the coffee taste in this is about a 0.4. But these really have little to do with coffee. The place I work has a drink similar to this called a "frappe." A lady came in one morning and ordered it, telling me, "I just have to have one of these every morning. I need the caffeine and I'm addicted." I looked at her and as kindly as I could explained that at least the way that we make it, there is no espresso in it and I couldn't promise there actually was any caffeine in it at all. She was really surprised, but was ok with me offering to make her a mocha latte which does in fact contain espresso and was probably something more what she was looking for.
Maybe the point isn't that people really don't like coffee but rather the idea of it. Maybe it's not that Starbucks annoys me, but rather that it is a trend. Maybe what it really boils down to is that it annoys me that people feel the need to need something to make themselves feel better. I didn't like coffee in high school. I didn't like the taste. So why did I get a cappuccino from Speedway? Why did I order a mocha latte from the local coffee shop? Because both of these drinks are loaded up with flavouring that masks the taste of coffee. The caffeine did it's job and I felt "cool" and that I "fit in" because I was drinking an adult-type drink. Now, I like the taste of coffee and almost always drink it straight black. In high school, I felt the need to try and fit in. All my friends were drinking coffee and specialty coffee drinks, I wanted to also, so I got one that drowned out the bad taste to get to the good stuff. Fortunately for me, it was coffee and not something like a Jack and coke or screwdrivers or something along those lines.
What's my point. Trendy icons. I think that's it. If you truly like a good cup o' joe, go for it. If you truly like your vente, double skinny latte, be my guest. But what did you do in high school to try and fit in or to make yourself appear cool? Coffee was apparently one of mine.
Why can't we all just be comfortable with who we are? More importantly, how far will people go to try and fit in?
and ps. The title of this is from a great song that really hit home for me in highschool called Hero by Superchic[k].
Starbucks.
Please don't hate me and judge me right now. At least wait until the end of this and give me a chance to explain. And I shall start with this as an explanation: it's not just Starbucks, but most coffee in general. Or rather, the way people think about and drink coffee.
I am a self-proclaimed mild-coffee snob. And since I work with coffee and know how to pull a perfect shot of espresso and steam milk to the right consistency for a great cappuccino, I think that I have a right to be somewhat. However, if you want to discuss real coffee with a real coffee snob, please check out this crazy kid and request his opinion. Since working with coffee, I have come to a couple of general conclusions: (1) people rarely really like coffee, (2) what people prefer is the idea of coffee rather then the actual beverage, (3) people feel "professional" or "cool" to be seen with a coffee cup in hand and so they drink it, and (4) people like the caffeine associated with coffee. Going from the top down, (1)- I watch people everyday order a coffee and then drown it in sugar and cream. This is no longer coffee, but sugar-milk with a slight coffee taste and a caffeine kick. (2)- Goes along with (1). Instead of enjoying the taste of coffee- and we're talking straight brewed coffee, nothing fancy like a mocha latte- people like the image that drinking coffee gives them, whether that be a grown up and professional look or a middle/high schooler carrying java around. These people probably fill the cup half full of flavoured creamer, and add some coffee in. (3) Goes back to (2). I remember in high school and even some in middle school how "cool" it seemed to go hang out at the local coffee house and order a drink. Even if I just got a steamer or hot chocolate. (4) Caffeine. Self-explanatory, and the only reason that drinks like Red Bull and Monster are popular.
Now. Since I have explained a little, I shall now continue on to Starbucks, which is a coffee shop so all of the generalizations from before fit in here. This shop is vastly popular for some reason. Maybe it's the fact that "small, medium, and large" are not good enough, and we had to go "tall, vente, and grande." But "tall" isn't that tall so let's not call it that, ok? Because honestly, their coffee is bitter and not that good. And frappuccino. Oh I hate these. I have, on occasion, ordered this drink when I wanted a drink that was something like a milkshake, so I'm not judging people who like it, but let's face it: the coffee taste in this is about a 0.4. But these really have little to do with coffee. The place I work has a drink similar to this called a "frappe." A lady came in one morning and ordered it, telling me, "I just have to have one of these every morning. I need the caffeine and I'm addicted." I looked at her and as kindly as I could explained that at least the way that we make it, there is no espresso in it and I couldn't promise there actually was any caffeine in it at all. She was really surprised, but was ok with me offering to make her a mocha latte which does in fact contain espresso and was probably something more what she was looking for.
Maybe the point isn't that people really don't like coffee but rather the idea of it. Maybe it's not that Starbucks annoys me, but rather that it is a trend. Maybe what it really boils down to is that it annoys me that people feel the need to need something to make themselves feel better. I didn't like coffee in high school. I didn't like the taste. So why did I get a cappuccino from Speedway? Why did I order a mocha latte from the local coffee shop? Because both of these drinks are loaded up with flavouring that masks the taste of coffee. The caffeine did it's job and I felt "cool" and that I "fit in" because I was drinking an adult-type drink. Now, I like the taste of coffee and almost always drink it straight black. In high school, I felt the need to try and fit in. All my friends were drinking coffee and specialty coffee drinks, I wanted to also, so I got one that drowned out the bad taste to get to the good stuff. Fortunately for me, it was coffee and not something like a Jack and coke or screwdrivers or something along those lines.
What's my point. Trendy icons. I think that's it. If you truly like a good cup o' joe, go for it. If you truly like your vente, double skinny latte, be my guest. But what did you do in high school to try and fit in or to make yourself appear cool? Coffee was apparently one of mine.
Why can't we all just be comfortable with who we are? More importantly, how far will people go to try and fit in?
and ps. The title of this is from a great song that really hit home for me in highschool called Hero by Superchic[k].
23 September 2008
Even the smallest person can change the course of history
I've been thinking a lot recently about the impact that people leave on others, and about how everyone, in some way, helps to influence someone.
Have you ever thought about the fact that how you act and what you do will leave an impression on people? I have been becoming more aware of this recently. I have been given an opportunity to leave good or bad impressions on people daily, through work or through my interaction with others. Think about it for a second: unless you are a hermit, you interact with people everyday. Do you really think that the things you say and the things that you do go unnoticed? Do you think that your bad mood went unnoticed by the person who always looks to you to be upbeat and get encouragement from? I can almost guarantee that most of your actions are being observed by someone. A great quote I heard once that says "A smile can brighten the darkest day." Someone once told me once that he viewed bad moods as being selfish. Years later, I agree with him. I hate being in bad moods: it's a waste of time. When I'm in a bad mood, it brings the others around me down too because I'm grumpy and that is not the impact and impression I want to leave people about myself. You have the chance to leave a great impact on another person just by the way that you present yourself to the world, even if it is not who you truly are. What I mean by this is that someone could look up to you, and totally respect you...when you are not really living a life worthy of having that respect. I talked with someone once who was and still is a person that others look up to...a leader actually, not a follower by any means. He explained how he felt he was not worthy of such a position because "there are others better." Even though he feels like this, he knows that he is in this position for a reason and is doing his best to fill it. The option that he faced was whether or not to embrace this role...or run the other way.
I never pictured myself as anyone important, or someone who would leave good impressions or impact others. I am noticing though that apparently I am that person, and everyone is. There is a guy I work with who is in his mid-20s and slightly mentally challenged who has a horrible home life. Because I told him he could always talk to me and tried to befriend him, I left an impression on him and made him feel comfortable enough to come and cry on my shoulder one day because of something at home. In return, he left an impression on me as well. Kind of the defining moment for me that made me realize that I can and do leave impressions on people, and made me want to ensure that it is a good one is something that happened yesterday.
A gentleman came into work and walked up to the counter. I said hello to him and asked how I could help him and he looked at me, thought for a second and asked, "This might sound crazy, but did you by any chance get your flights delayed from American Airlines a few months ago?" At which point I realized why I recognized him...he and his wife were on their way to St. Kits for vacation, and I was headed to Ohio in April, and were standing behind me in line when we found out that 98% of the AA flights had been canceled. We waited for 2-3 hours in line to try and find out if we could be re-booked with another airline and this couple and I got to talking and realized we were both from Goodyear and I worked at the PB&C that had just opened up. 5 months later, he remembered who I was and asked if I ever made it to my destination. That was an incredibly frustrating day but I did my best to stay positive, and I wonder if I would have been remembered if I'd been pessimistic and complained about it the entire time.
So I ask this question: what kind of impact are you leaving? Do your actions live out your words, or are you just all talk? Just because you feel that you are nobody to the world, you might just be the world to somebody and you don't even realize it. David in the Bible was a "nobody," or so he and everyone else thought. Turns out he kills a guy which causes a major Biblical victory and is eventually crowned king. Who would have thought.
Think about it. What are you doing?
Have you ever thought about the fact that how you act and what you do will leave an impression on people? I have been becoming more aware of this recently. I have been given an opportunity to leave good or bad impressions on people daily, through work or through my interaction with others. Think about it for a second: unless you are a hermit, you interact with people everyday. Do you really think that the things you say and the things that you do go unnoticed? Do you think that your bad mood went unnoticed by the person who always looks to you to be upbeat and get encouragement from? I can almost guarantee that most of your actions are being observed by someone. A great quote I heard once that says "A smile can brighten the darkest day." Someone once told me once that he viewed bad moods as being selfish. Years later, I agree with him. I hate being in bad moods: it's a waste of time. When I'm in a bad mood, it brings the others around me down too because I'm grumpy and that is not the impact and impression I want to leave people about myself. You have the chance to leave a great impact on another person just by the way that you present yourself to the world, even if it is not who you truly are. What I mean by this is that someone could look up to you, and totally respect you...when you are not really living a life worthy of having that respect. I talked with someone once who was and still is a person that others look up to...a leader actually, not a follower by any means. He explained how he felt he was not worthy of such a position because "there are others better." Even though he feels like this, he knows that he is in this position for a reason and is doing his best to fill it. The option that he faced was whether or not to embrace this role...or run the other way.
I never pictured myself as anyone important, or someone who would leave good impressions or impact others. I am noticing though that apparently I am that person, and everyone is. There is a guy I work with who is in his mid-20s and slightly mentally challenged who has a horrible home life. Because I told him he could always talk to me and tried to befriend him, I left an impression on him and made him feel comfortable enough to come and cry on my shoulder one day because of something at home. In return, he left an impression on me as well. Kind of the defining moment for me that made me realize that I can and do leave impressions on people, and made me want to ensure that it is a good one is something that happened yesterday.
A gentleman came into work and walked up to the counter. I said hello to him and asked how I could help him and he looked at me, thought for a second and asked, "This might sound crazy, but did you by any chance get your flights delayed from American Airlines a few months ago?" At which point I realized why I recognized him...he and his wife were on their way to St. Kits for vacation, and I was headed to Ohio in April, and were standing behind me in line when we found out that 98% of the AA flights had been canceled. We waited for 2-3 hours in line to try and find out if we could be re-booked with another airline and this couple and I got to talking and realized we were both from Goodyear and I worked at the PB&C that had just opened up. 5 months later, he remembered who I was and asked if I ever made it to my destination. That was an incredibly frustrating day but I did my best to stay positive, and I wonder if I would have been remembered if I'd been pessimistic and complained about it the entire time.
So I ask this question: what kind of impact are you leaving? Do your actions live out your words, or are you just all talk? Just because you feel that you are nobody to the world, you might just be the world to somebody and you don't even realize it. David in the Bible was a "nobody," or so he and everyone else thought. Turns out he kills a guy which causes a major Biblical victory and is eventually crowned king. Who would have thought.
Think about it. What are you doing?
15 September 2008
Bring the Rain..
So. Here I am.
8 months and 16 days into Arizona. The reason I mention this is because of the peace that I am finding.
Peace is something it seems that I have been seeking for the past several months with little or no luck. I have prayed and struggled and it's been hard. But recently, things have taken a turn.
I have spent many hours in prayer since moving out here, begging and pleading with God to show me why I have had to go through this and what I'm supposed to be learning. I feel like some days it was just me saying words, "God, give me peace." Then the turning point came. While I did not feel I was a scratching at the bottom of the barrel, I feel like I was not too far from it. I was sad, I was homesick and getting tired of it. I cried out to God one day during my quiet time and He answered. Not in anything I heard, but through my repeated prayer of "God take this pain from me, give me peace," I felt it. Peace...so calming.
John 14:27 (NLT)-- "I am leaving you with a gift- peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid."
Seriously, right there in front of me. The whole time. I love it when I miss the obvious...it happens a lot.
"Bring the Rain" is a song by MercyMe that talks about walking through trials and struggles.
Maybe since my life was changed Long before these rainy days It's never really ever crossed my mind To turn my back on you, oh Lord My only shelter from the storm But instead I draw closer through these times So I pray Bring me joy, bring me peace Bring the chance to be free Bring me anything that brings You glory And I know there'll be days When this life brings me pain But if that's what it takes to praise You Jesus, bring the rain
The song also has a part that says something to the effect of, no matter what comes, I am yours and I'll trust in You.
Something I think I am learning about peace is that I didn't receive it and I don't always have it. It is something I have to strive daily to obtain and continually seek God and ask for from Him about. Many days are harder then others and I feel lost. Those are the days that Jesse has to tell me it's all going to be alright and reassure me. Sometimes, what you're looking the hardest for is right in front of you and you just have to ask for it. Ask for peace.
8 months and 16 days into Arizona. The reason I mention this is because of the peace that I am finding.
Peace is something it seems that I have been seeking for the past several months with little or no luck. I have prayed and struggled and it's been hard. But recently, things have taken a turn.
I have spent many hours in prayer since moving out here, begging and pleading with God to show me why I have had to go through this and what I'm supposed to be learning. I feel like some days it was just me saying words, "God, give me peace." Then the turning point came. While I did not feel I was a scratching at the bottom of the barrel, I feel like I was not too far from it. I was sad, I was homesick and getting tired of it. I cried out to God one day during my quiet time and He answered. Not in anything I heard, but through my repeated prayer of "God take this pain from me, give me peace," I felt it. Peace...so calming.
John 14:27 (NLT)-- "I am leaving you with a gift- peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid."
Seriously, right there in front of me. The whole time. I love it when I miss the obvious...it happens a lot.
"Bring the Rain" is a song by MercyMe that talks about walking through trials and struggles.
Maybe since my life was changed Long before these rainy days It's never really ever crossed my mind To turn my back on you, oh Lord My only shelter from the storm But instead I draw closer through these times So I pray Bring me joy, bring me peace Bring the chance to be free Bring me anything that brings You glory And I know there'll be days When this life brings me pain But if that's what it takes to praise You Jesus, bring the rain
The song also has a part that says something to the effect of, no matter what comes, I am yours and I'll trust in You.
Something I think I am learning about peace is that I didn't receive it and I don't always have it. It is something I have to strive daily to obtain and continually seek God and ask for from Him about. Many days are harder then others and I feel lost. Those are the days that Jesse has to tell me it's all going to be alright and reassure me. Sometimes, what you're looking the hardest for is right in front of you and you just have to ask for it. Ask for peace.
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