3 Realities and Emotions. A Reflection on Spring Break 2008.

This past week I had the opportunity to spend a week in Florida with the most beautiful girl in the world and a few of my closest friends. It was a much needed time of rest and reflection (see previous post). I feel 3 primary things when I go to the ocean:

1) Relaxed
2) Small
3) Inspired

These 3 realities and emotions guided my entire week. I wish I could hold onto those 3 things more often. It is definitely easier said then done.

My life is overwhelmed with busyness. Laying out and soaking up the rays always brings a sense of relaxation. It is stress-free. People live for vacations. People live for breaks. People live for Friday. Why can't everyday be like this? Do I really cherish everyday? How often do I let the cares of this world poison my emotions -- my thoughts -- my life.

A few occurrences happened throughout the week that effected the course of my entire week. Once again, through an incident that happened back at home -- I realized how fragile life is on this earth. It is peculiar yet amazing how in times of tragedy everything big becomes small. Perspective invades the life of chaos -- And once again -- all the forgotten things that really matter take the spotlight.

When it comes to the ocean...I am small.

Finally, this past week brought a sense of urgency -- a sense of meaning -- a refreshing. I gazed at all the issues that have been placed on the table regarding the Church, our world, and people. A few times while reading Shane Claiborne's Irresistible Revolution I felt sick knowing I do so little. I also read the pages of Charles Colson's The Faith and How Now Shall We Live? and felt compelled to act.

You can't look at the ocean without feeling it.

The ocean was freezing. I did jump in one day and I probably stayed maybe...I mean maybe 3 minutes. I know what you're thinking, pathetic. Anyways, recognizing that there are so many issues on the table and I do nothing about it makes me a complete hypocrite. I know what you're thinking -- Duh! As I wrote above, perspective sits on the horizon. I am inspired. I know there is much hope to give. It is a hope that everyone must be apart of to truly touch the whole world. I am a piece of the puzzle. So are you.

So until tomorrow...Today (and hopefully tomorrow and the next...)

I am relaxed
I am small
I am inspired

Thank God for Spring Break.