Sometimes, life seems like little more than a movie. You stand there, powerless as powers outside your vision move about whole sections of your life. Yet you can do nothing. Your hands are too small, your reach too short; no matter how hard you strain, events remain just beyond your control.
"Come on, come on. You know this isn't what we planned on. Come on, come on. Tell me we'll be okay."
Sometimes, those closest to you are those who are the farthest away. They seem so kind, so helpful, so well-intentioned. Not even they fully understand the damage their "assistance" causes. The scars that lace the soul, burning with resentment and determination to leave their rotting affection far behind.
"Where were you, when my walls came falling down? You turned away - you stood close by - but didn't make a sound. Where were you, when it all came back around? The reasons why you passed me by will always hold you down."
Sometimes, comfort comes from the most unlikely places. A acquaintance becomes a brother; a neighbor a sister. A random song suddenly puts air beneath your wings; a simple story moves you to tears. You're taking out the trash, and a sunset blows your mind; hours with a ball at your feet, and suddenly the world's problems seem to fade into the grass.
"Let's leave no words unspoken, and save our regrets for the broken. Will they even look back when they think of me?? All I want is a place to call my own, to mend the hearts of everyone who feels alone. You know to keep your hopes up high and your head down low."
Sometimes, there is a person who becomes so much more than a friend. They laugh, they smile, they flirt around the borders - but to you, they're right in the center. They are a memory to cling to, as the corrosive waters of loneliness threaten to pull you under.
"Forget everything just for tonight; we'll sing like everyone when they're alone. Cause I've been waiting for tonight to sing this song. Let's move in; if we all stand together, we're a force that can change the whole world. For once, we're doing something right when we sing this, our song."
Sometimes, people will tell you life is nothing more than pain, and loss, and conflict, and futile dreams, all without end. They tell you that there's nothing for it, except to squeeze every day for all the pleasure it can give; that's your right, eh?
...
Those people couldn't. Be. More. Dead. Wrong. Life is joyful, because friendship gives you laughter. Life is full, because the things that we treasure never truly leave us. Life is peaceful, because you can't fight what isn't worth your time. Life is meaningful, because love gives it meaning.
For all those doubters out there, I want you to know I have found my purpose. My purpose is prove you wrong by living a life ruled by love, a love that is bottomless, a love that no man can take from me.
"I'm making a difference. I'm taking a chance. You can say what you want about me, but no one can tell me I can't."
Friday, January 18, 2013
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Patience, Pride, and Devilish Bananas
One of the most exciting, hilarious, and yet utterly frustrating experiences a person can have is the anticipation of an event. Humans love looking forward to things, regardless of how annoying the wait becomes. The suspense, promise of reward, and all-around electric feeling surrounds everything from Call of Duty Black Spec Ghost Ops releases (or whatever game Activision is making now), birthday presents, or even a simple night out with friends. However seat-of-your-pants impatient you may become, the wait is a key part of the whole experience.
Many events in American culture have this same "time tag" slapped on the packaging. It tells you that, for best results, you should _______. The blank can be filled with anything, from waiting a set amount of time or completing some type of action.
For instance, if you want to become CEO of a company, you must first: get a job in said company, work to get promoted, schmooze up to your boss, make a breaking deal - and then you'll be made CEO. If you want to drive a car, you must first: get a learner's permit, drive safely for two years, complete Joshua's Law - and then you can get a driver's license. If you want to eat that banana, you must first wait until it's ripe - then you can eat it.
Now, I grant you that these formulas may not actually work like this in the real world (Bananas can be tricky blighters). But I'm sure you get the idea. Whether it's a tasty treat or a life-altering promotion, the wait is most definitely worth it.
Sadly, this rule has all but been ignored in our present society.
It is no longer the shrewd, competent businessman who is made CEO. Rather, it is the man or women who is perfectly ready to do whatever it takes to make it to the top. These individuals don't care who they crush on the way there, as long as they reach their destination. As a result, they don't have half the knowledge and experience that is gained by the young desk clerk on the first floor office, who does his best to preform his job - whatever that may be - with excellence and diligence. Who do you think is more admirable in this situation?
Closer to home for us teens is the area of dating. There used to be a time where it was unheard of for two people to start "romantic" relationships at thirteen, fifteen, or even seventeen. It was just kind of ludicrous to most folks. Why? Because they knew that those kids - yes, we're still kids, deal with it - couldn't possibly be ready for that kind of relationship. Not just because of their age (That's a debate topic I won't approach right now), but because of the simple reason that their lives hadn't progressed far enough to make that sort of commitment feasible. It was just illogical to them!
Now, the idea of dating is less of a "I'm looking for a lifelong partner", and more of a "I'm looking for companionship". When most teens think they're looking for a date, they're really just looking for an honest friend, some one who will understand them and whom they can understand. But ninety-nine percent of these teens aren't aware of that line, and so they assume that the hole in their heart needs to be filled with romance. The ensuing "relationships" are nothing more than a breeding place for hurt, betrayal, and emotional scarring. And when the pair of jilted lovers shake off their sorrow, nothing has changed. So they start the process again, with the same inevitable result.
That's not to say there are no exceptions to this sad rule. I've seen many wonderful young couples in my time that lit up a room with their honest, pure, self-sacrificing love. They don't throw themselves all over each other, like actors trying to convince you of their affection. Rather, their love shines trough the little things they do: a small smile, a warm hug, a gentle laugh. They don't need showy displays of adoration, because the two of them know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, where they stand. They are more than just a couple; they are two sides of the same coin. It is a truly wonderful sight to see, a reminder that a joy such as theirs can exist in our broken world.
"Patience is a virtue." This proverb is often quoted in our world. Wisdom of the ages is greatly valued... Right? Or are we too busy listening to our fickle hearts to hear the whispers of those who have gone before, who have made our mistakes and dealt with the consequences. Why can't we pay heed? Why can't we slow down enough to let them carry us along? Why does our pride rule our minds, eater than the other way around?
These are only some of the unanswerable questions that life seems so fond of.
~
Walter J. Scott
Many events in American culture have this same "time tag" slapped on the packaging. It tells you that, for best results, you should _______. The blank can be filled with anything, from waiting a set amount of time or completing some type of action.
For instance, if you want to become CEO of a company, you must first: get a job in said company, work to get promoted, schmooze up to your boss, make a breaking deal - and then you'll be made CEO. If you want to drive a car, you must first: get a learner's permit, drive safely for two years, complete Joshua's Law - and then you can get a driver's license. If you want to eat that banana, you must first wait until it's ripe - then you can eat it.
Now, I grant you that these formulas may not actually work like this in the real world (Bananas can be tricky blighters). But I'm sure you get the idea. Whether it's a tasty treat or a life-altering promotion, the wait is most definitely worth it.
Sadly, this rule has all but been ignored in our present society.
It is no longer the shrewd, competent businessman who is made CEO. Rather, it is the man or women who is perfectly ready to do whatever it takes to make it to the top. These individuals don't care who they crush on the way there, as long as they reach their destination. As a result, they don't have half the knowledge and experience that is gained by the young desk clerk on the first floor office, who does his best to preform his job - whatever that may be - with excellence and diligence. Who do you think is more admirable in this situation?
Closer to home for us teens is the area of dating. There used to be a time where it was unheard of for two people to start "romantic" relationships at thirteen, fifteen, or even seventeen. It was just kind of ludicrous to most folks. Why? Because they knew that those kids - yes, we're still kids, deal with it - couldn't possibly be ready for that kind of relationship. Not just because of their age (That's a debate topic I won't approach right now), but because of the simple reason that their lives hadn't progressed far enough to make that sort of commitment feasible. It was just illogical to them!
Now, the idea of dating is less of a "I'm looking for a lifelong partner", and more of a "I'm looking for companionship". When most teens think they're looking for a date, they're really just looking for an honest friend, some one who will understand them and whom they can understand. But ninety-nine percent of these teens aren't aware of that line, and so they assume that the hole in their heart needs to be filled with romance. The ensuing "relationships" are nothing more than a breeding place for hurt, betrayal, and emotional scarring. And when the pair of jilted lovers shake off their sorrow, nothing has changed. So they start the process again, with the same inevitable result.
That's not to say there are no exceptions to this sad rule. I've seen many wonderful young couples in my time that lit up a room with their honest, pure, self-sacrificing love. They don't throw themselves all over each other, like actors trying to convince you of their affection. Rather, their love shines trough the little things they do: a small smile, a warm hug, a gentle laugh. They don't need showy displays of adoration, because the two of them know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, where they stand. They are more than just a couple; they are two sides of the same coin. It is a truly wonderful sight to see, a reminder that a joy such as theirs can exist in our broken world.
"Patience is a virtue." This proverb is often quoted in our world. Wisdom of the ages is greatly valued... Right? Or are we too busy listening to our fickle hearts to hear the whispers of those who have gone before, who have made our mistakes and dealt with the consequences. Why can't we pay heed? Why can't we slow down enough to let them carry us along? Why does our pride rule our minds, eater than the other way around?
These are only some of the unanswerable questions that life seems so fond of.
~
Walter J. Scott
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
The Paladin
Strength. Determination. Courage. Such are the words used to describe the paladin of good, protector of the weak. He stands resolute in the face of danger, shining sword held high in defiance of the darkness around him. He is kind, noble, and selfless.
In short, he is everything we aspire to be. He is the target to aim for, the standard to shoot for. Utterly desirable, and yet utterly unattainable.
But what makes him... Well... Him? We've identified these qualities, but what do they mean? What is it about him that is so fascinating, so captivating? What makes him the idol that he is?
Many have tried to answer these questions, with varying amounts of success. Some were philosophers, some writers. Some were kings, others peasants. Some were wise, others... Not so much.
In my experience, the most knowledgable of these are who would seem to be the least so. Songwriters tend to take an entirely different view on pretty much anything, offering a refreshing new outlook that's often more than a little philosophical. So, to discuss this question with us, I've enlisted the help of several good friends of mine. You may recognize them, as I dearly hope you do.
Now, onward!
"Though they may surround me like lions, and crush me on all sides. I may fall, but I will rise. Not by my might or my power or by the strength of swords. Only through your love my Lord." ~ Josh Garrels
The paladin is strong, resolute in the face of danger. His will is iron, refusing to bow before any other.
Now, Josh isn't talking about physical strength here. Any lunkhead can go to a gym and get bulked up. Rather, he's talking about strength of character. The true paladin knows where his strength lies, and it is not in his own arms. His sword is not his weapon, nor his shield his protection. Instead he trusts in the power of his Savior, his Lord, his Captain.
"I'm not going down that easy! It takes more than this just to break me. I'm not going down without bleeding. I'm not going down without a fight!" ~ Pillar
The paladin is a defender, a warrior. He fights the holy war, conquering the forces of darkness wherever they are found. He never gives up, never gives in. He gives his all all the time, refusing to settle for less.
The truly good things in this life are the things worth fighting for, worth waiting for. The paladin knows what is worth the effort, what's worth sacrificing for. The blessings of God far outweigh those gifts of the world, and that is what the paladin shoots for. And he won't give it up easily.
"Go ahead, you're never gonna take me! You can bend but you're never gonna break me. I was yours, I'm not yours anymore. You don't own me!" ~ Disciple
Courage. Pure, unadulterated courage. The paladin quakes at nothing, fears no one. Hopeless situations? I'm ready. Invincible enemies? I can take 'em. Impossible odds? Bring it on.
But this confidence doesn't come from within him. No, that would be arrogance. Instead, the paladin has complete faith in his Commander. He know that he's never alone, he'll never be forsaken. And in that comforting thought, he finds the ability to conquer an obstacle.
So the paladin's power lies not in his sword. Not in his armor, nor in his steed. It lies in his Lord, his King. The paladin seeks out His strength and courage and determination, and finds rest in it. And therein lies the true power of the Paladin.
In short, he is everything we aspire to be. He is the target to aim for, the standard to shoot for. Utterly desirable, and yet utterly unattainable.
But what makes him... Well... Him? We've identified these qualities, but what do they mean? What is it about him that is so fascinating, so captivating? What makes him the idol that he is?
Many have tried to answer these questions, with varying amounts of success. Some were philosophers, some writers. Some were kings, others peasants. Some were wise, others... Not so much.
In my experience, the most knowledgable of these are who would seem to be the least so. Songwriters tend to take an entirely different view on pretty much anything, offering a refreshing new outlook that's often more than a little philosophical. So, to discuss this question with us, I've enlisted the help of several good friends of mine. You may recognize them, as I dearly hope you do.
Now, onward!
"Though they may surround me like lions, and crush me on all sides. I may fall, but I will rise. Not by my might or my power or by the strength of swords. Only through your love my Lord." ~ Josh Garrels
The paladin is strong, resolute in the face of danger. His will is iron, refusing to bow before any other.
Now, Josh isn't talking about physical strength here. Any lunkhead can go to a gym and get bulked up. Rather, he's talking about strength of character. The true paladin knows where his strength lies, and it is not in his own arms. His sword is not his weapon, nor his shield his protection. Instead he trusts in the power of his Savior, his Lord, his Captain.
"I'm not going down that easy! It takes more than this just to break me. I'm not going down without bleeding. I'm not going down without a fight!" ~ Pillar
The paladin is a defender, a warrior. He fights the holy war, conquering the forces of darkness wherever they are found. He never gives up, never gives in. He gives his all all the time, refusing to settle for less.
The truly good things in this life are the things worth fighting for, worth waiting for. The paladin knows what is worth the effort, what's worth sacrificing for. The blessings of God far outweigh those gifts of the world, and that is what the paladin shoots for. And he won't give it up easily.
"Go ahead, you're never gonna take me! You can bend but you're never gonna break me. I was yours, I'm not yours anymore. You don't own me!" ~ Disciple
Courage. Pure, unadulterated courage. The paladin quakes at nothing, fears no one. Hopeless situations? I'm ready. Invincible enemies? I can take 'em. Impossible odds? Bring it on.
But this confidence doesn't come from within him. No, that would be arrogance. Instead, the paladin has complete faith in his Commander. He know that he's never alone, he'll never be forsaken. And in that comforting thought, he finds the ability to conquer an obstacle.
So the paladin's power lies not in his sword. Not in his armor, nor in his steed. It lies in his Lord, his King. The paladin seeks out His strength and courage and determination, and finds rest in it. And therein lies the true power of the Paladin.
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