Hope

Over the past several days, as updates of the horrific disaster in Haiti continue to pour in, I have had the opportunity to reflect upon some of the most profound misfortunes and fortunes of life.

Firstly, I am always caught in awe of what seems to be necessary to bring aid, unity, and charity into our world and lives. As a country, I would contest with confidence that there are very few moments in our Nation’s rich history where we have been more unified than on December 8th, 1941 and September 11th, 2001 immediately following two of the most deadly, devastating, and horrifying attacks here at home, on our American soil (Pearl Harbor and the attacks on New York’s World Trade Centers, respectively). Naturally speaking, it took the most devastating hurricane (Katrina) and this most recent earthquake to bring aid to where it was, and is, needed. Why does it take such disasters and extreme measures for us to come together as one? To help our neighbor? Ultimately, why does it take so much for us as a whole to stand up and to do our duty as citizens of this beautiful country and world? Are we so arrogant and prideful that we must be, literally and figuratively, brought to our knees in order to understand and acknowledge our individual insignificance and dependence on one another? Unfortunately, the answer to that question strikes fear within me.

Secondly, there are very obvious and oft-occurring temporal misfortunes that befall everyone. Despite what, at times, may seem to be, there is no one who escapes the grasp of such misfortunes. I have endured what I would consider a significant trial the last 8 months in a large part due to the situation and my near isolation, that I would not expect anyone but myself to understand. I would be lying if I said there were not times when I asked a question so often asked at such times; the “why me?” plea. However, I would also be lying if I said I have allowed such “apparent hardships” dictate my attitude. That part is entirely up to me. And it is at times like these when I see Haitians whose trials and hardships make mine seem so minute. If only I could carry some of their difficulty to lighten their load! I have come to the conclusion that whatever our problems may be, however minute, in their own uniqueness to situation and persons, are difficult and often crippling when carried alone. More often than not, whether or not by choice, problems, difficulties, and hardships are endured individually. As we “bear one another’s burdens”, so to speak, we are all strengthened and grow together, unified. Are we honestly too selfish to avoid that gift of mutual growth because of a desire to avoid work and shared difficulty entirely? Again, the answer is scary.

Finally I have also had the opportunity to reflect upon the many fortunes of life. “With all of its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Strive to be happy”. It is truly a beautiful world in which we live. Though at times they are hard to see, appreciate, and understand, our blessings are endless no matter who, where, or how we are. It is a charge to all to take time to “stop and smell the roses”. To stop to appreciate your surroundings and blessings, for they are so abundant when we look. To develop gratitude for what we have as opposed to a lust for what we want. Open your eyes to the beauty of this world! On top of all of that, quite possibly the most profound fortune of all, is that of opportunity and potential. Each and every one of us has an infinite supply of both. As we stand together we stand strong. We each have the potential to be great; to be the change this world so desperately needs. We all are blessed with opportunities on a daily basis that allow us to take steps towards realizing the infinite potential. As we join together, unified, our joint potential and opportunity is untapped and will be unexplainable. Oh the things we can do! Realizing this, the question is no longer “What have I done?”, but instead “What will I do”? And the answer to that one, my friends, brings no fear at all, but instead, brings HOPE.

The following link is for a music video that has motivated and inspired me a great deal through the years as I have done my best to unify and serve those around me! We all have a part to play!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmxT21uFRwM

LIVE.LOVE.LAUGH.

A Few Pictures From the Holidays!

Here are a few pictures from the holidays with the fam! I wish pictures could show how much fun it was but they just don't do it justice! Might as well try my best though! =D

With Sissy after she acted in Pinnochio! She stole the show! Haha. No surprise there!

At the tree farm with the family. For those of you that hadn't seen the cane yet, there ya go. Haha. Classy I know.

The family [minus Mom as she was taking the picture] about to cut down the tree.

Making a gingerbread house with Kaylie.

On the stairs at Bubba's house Christmas morning before going down. Me, Josh, Nate, Matt, then Sis. Nate and I definitely woke up at 5:30 after watching the "Home Alone"s all night Christmas Eve then went and got everyone up. Classic Christmas Morning.

The three older boys downstairs Christmas morning. Good times!


The fam!!! Love em!

This was such a great holiday break reminding me of how lucky I am and how amazing all of my family is! I wish I could adequately describe it!! Hope everyone's holidays were equally as enjoyable! =D

LIVE.LOVE.LAUGH.