Quarter of a Century's Wisdom

Today is my b-day, as Michael Scott would say. I can't believe I am 25 years old...

On Tuesday in youth group, Pastor Burt had the teens contemplate their journey with Christ. Have they moved in their walk? Are they moving? Where are they at?

In thinking about my own journey with Christ, it seems appropriate, on this occasion, that I take a moment and assess the things I have learned in my 25 years here on earth. What have I learned? Am I growing? Do I like who I am becoming? Have I changed?

Below is a list of 25 things that I know I have learned—some are old adages that we have heard a thousand times, some are straight from the Bible. I have found all of these to be true and am still working on them:

1.) You get what you pay for.

2.) When you feel like isolating yourself, don't.

3.) The greater the risk, the greater the reward.

4.) Good is great's worst enemy.

5.) Friends are the family you make for yourself - treat them well!

6.) Stop and smell the roses - enjoy the simple things in life.

7.) If you have the opportunity to travel, do it.

8.) Don't go to college for the sake of going to college. It will always be there waiting for you.

9.) Live like Jesus - be a servant, and you will find joy in the smallest tasks.

10.) If you really want something, it's okay to splurge, just don't splurge all the time.

11.) Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth - No one likes a bragger.

12.) Make time for people, even if you aren't the best of friends...people matter.

13.) Wherever you are, be all there.

14.) No matter what you are doing, do your best.

15.) Honor your parents so your life will go well.

16.) Greedy people try to get rich quick but don't realize they're headed for poverty.

17.) Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing.

18.) Learn how to be content in all circumstances.

19.) You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you as you are to them.

20.) It's okay to indulge your guilty pleasures every now and then if they are harmless. Chocolate and showtunes - need I say more?

21.) It is not the length of life, but the depth of life.

22.) Every moment is a second chance at starting over.

23.) To have a thankful heart, a good rule of thumb is to list five things a day you are thankful for.

24.) To live a life of self is death, but the death of self is life.

25.) Life is worthless until you understand the reason for existence - Jesus.

The "Sommer" Chronicles

Summer is lurking around the corner. I know this because:

a.) For the first time this entire year, I was hot.
b.) Memorial Day is two short days away.
c.) School's out!!!

Woohoo! One more semester done - 6 more to go = 3 more years until I can wash my hands of homework...unless I decide to commit mental suicide and get a master's degree. Ahhhh!

So, what's been happening? Well, I finished up both of my English courses at the beginning of May. They were some of the best classes I have had since my time at Muskingum. I loved every second of them. Well, that might be stretching the truth, but aside from the exams and papers, the books were incredible!

After my English finals, I faced some classes that I have been dreading - my required PE activities. When I think about physical education, my mind drifts back to those years of suffering through field day at school....what horrible memories! When you are a short, chubby nerd, who would rather spend an entire summer reading than just about anything else, PE becomes your worst nightmare. You know, some people are natural born athletes--they can run fast, fly high, or swing a club like it's second nature. Then there are those who might not be natural athletes, but they have a deep appreciation for athletics, and because of that appreciation, they can hold their own when it comes to sports. And last but not least would be the category I fit into - those who have always been clutzy, uncoordinated, and suffer from feelings akin to hatred where sports are concerned. Let's just say that these past few weeks have caused me to remember why I never got involved in organized athletics.

Now that the dreaded PE courses are over, I find myself at the brink of summer, eagerly anticipating a break from school in general. This weekend I am catching up on things that have been ignored for the past 3.5 months at my house. Menial tasks like making a trip to the DMV, cleaning, filing, painting, working on the car, and trying to prepare myself for three months of warmth - warmth of friends, family, and fun!

Recently I've been reminded of the series of verses in Colossians chapter 3, where Paul reminds us to think about heaven. He warns us to not just dwell on earthly matters - our life now, but to be mindful of heaven - our true home. I am guilty of getting so caught up with things here - the day to day grind - but I am praying that this summer, God helps me - helps us - helps his bride to let heaven fill our thoughts so that we might become who He was longed for us to become.

What are you up to this summer?