The first week of September is always a little bittersweet for me.
20 years ago this week- the 8th of September to be precise- I found myself with my Aggie ring on my hand, wearing a pair of pajamas and carrying Pandora as I watched my apartment burn. I lost every one of my possessions except those I just listed above. At the age of 21, that's a pretty serious reality check; while I was able to be grateful for being alive and uninjured, it took me a while to work through all of the shit (for lack of a gentler word) that I became mired in as a result. I was wise enough to recognize that God wanted to point my nose in a different direction than the one it was headed. I think, 20 years on, I'm finally getting a handle on that direction. And lest you mention the irony of me caring for burn patients as my calling, it's not lost on me.
With that....
Today I am trusting that God will continue to find more gentle ways than something that destructive to keep me headed in the direction I'm intended. I try hard to listen for that still, small voice. I really do.
Today I am grateful for where I am, right now. Yes, you could take that as "the barstool in my kitchen, drinking a nice glass of Pomerol," and that's what I intend in part. I'm also grateful for where I am in the larger sense, where I am in my journey through life. It's pretty wonderful.
Today I am inspired by my friend Missy. She's just over halfway into the Wasatch 100, running through the night and into the toughest part of the race in terms of elevation gain. I admire her spirit, her courage and her determination.
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Now playing: Big Head Todd & The Monsters - Bittersweet
via FoxyTunes