Reflecting

Good byes are an interesting thing. They can be casual and they can be sad. They can be flirty and they can be harsh. But it all depends on the relationship. Right now the good bye on my mind is one of the hard ones, the one where a close friend leaves. He's coming back, but it still hard. I'm happy for him because it's an exciting opportunity for him. But in a way, the person I know won't come back. He's going to be different. You may disagree, but it's true. He is going to grow as a person and there will be something new in his eye. I'm just sad that I won't be able to experience that with him, but sometimes we all need to go off on our own journey.

It makes me sad to know I can't call him up to hang out, but I am excited that he has been given this road in life. But this whole thing got me thinking about good byes in life. How often do we say good bye? How many of them heartfelt? How many of them are said with action more than words? Why are some easier than others? Do we really care, or is it a matter of the relationship? Why isn't every good bye hard? Why are some near impossible?

I got to know this guy pretty well in a period of a few month about a year ago. He was actually on his way over to Japan to be a missionary. He is one of the most easy going guys I've ever met and I wish my time with him was greater, but I knew from the beginning he wasn't going to be around much. So we kept in contact here and there, but as my life went on, and I'm sure his did too, I just didn't really follow up with him. Reflecting on this it has me thinking. Why is it so hard for me to let someone go, but when they're gone I never stay in touch. And I notice that I end up doing this to everyone.

So maybe this is why good byes are hard, because even though we say, 'keep in touch' that it never really pans out that way. Is that how life in general is, or is that just me? I know I can't be the only one. Let's face it, we are all wrapped up in the craziness of our lives. Time is a rare commodity. When we have any it gets swamped by the small things we put off.

Don't let the small things get in the way. Life is so big yet so short to let the small things get in the way. As hard or as easy as good byes can be, don't let them stop you. Cherish each of your friendships, and take what they have to offer, even if they are for a short period of time. Learn something new from each one, and go out an live. Friendship is an inspiring thing.

With that, cherish every moment before the good byes, and look forward to every moment after the hello. Each time is an exciting adventure.

Love ya Louie Bookout, have fun ya lil hum bucker. Can't wait for you to get back.

A Goal

Ok, so I pretty much go about my life taking each day as it comes. Never really work towards anything. So I think it's time I try something new for me. Not really considering this a 'New Years Resolution' but a way to make life be that... life. I like most people get wrapped up in the monotonous pattern of wake up, work, eat and sleep. Quite frankly I'm sick of it, so here are five things that I want to have done by 2010.

1. Volunteer for something outside of church. (i.e. shelter, food bank, etc.)
2. Learn a new intsrument
3. Write a short story for children
4. Take up a cause again
5. Lose 20 pounds. About time I do so. lol

There are other things, but these are the ones I absolutely want to do before the year ends.

Dreams and Voices

So I'm sitting here in my room, on the last hour of the day. Today was the observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday. Sitting here, listening to Bono sing, reflecting on the day that was had, and throughout this whole day, not once did anything about this man occur to me, until a few hours ago. A dream is being brought to life. The walls of separation are breaking. Tomorrow history is being made.

The impression made by a man with a voice that still echoes to this day, is finally seeing its fruit. How often does a generation get to see the result of such an impact? How often does a generation make an impact? How often do we make impacts? I began to wonder this today as I was walking the exhibits of a museum I visited with friends. As I walked up and down those halls filled with these amazing pieces of work, I wondered if the person who made these works of art ever had the intention having there work on display in a glass box or hanging on a wall, to be viewed by someone like myself. One of the things that really stuck out was a few suits of armor. It made me think of the man who wore it. What was his name? Where was he from? What was his impact?

Now granted we will never say that of Dr. King, but there have been many voices before his. Voices heard and followed, and voices that were heard, yet forgotten or just added without concern into a text book. We all have had an impact in our lives; good ones and bad ones. And let's face it, the bad ones seem to happen more so than the good. So are these social impacts that of chance, or are the formed like the birth of extraterrestrial diamonds in the sky? I believe there is a science to impact. But how could one do so from such lowly circumstances?

It happens through embracing the marks left on your life. Turning your pain into a dream. Giving life to your dream through a voice. A dream with a voice is the start of an impact. Impact creates change. It's up to you how to use it, and what to use it for.

I think this quote is one that I struggle with just out still being young and still developing my voice. "Dream of the world you want to live in. Then dream out loud."


To all my friends, I love you all. We span across the board of the worlds background, and we don't see each other as black or white, Hispanic or Asian, etc. We are people. Say what you want about Dr. King's personal life, but his dream is one that we take for granted, and one that people will fight against. So I thank him and remember his passion and zeal for what he gave his life for.


Now it's time to see how a new man's dream will make an impact.

writing and hopefully for a while this time.

words to be said, but no words are there to say
pain to be felt, but no heart left to feel
songs to be sung, but a voice is silenced
eyes of a witness locked up never to see light again

hands that feed the hungry are bound
feet that assist the weary shackled
love that has no fear has been taken from this place
cast away with no hope insight this day.

light breaks through this place
cracks let in the rays
cold becomes its enemy
dismay turns into glee
heart has been unleashed
hands and feet released
the mouth that was shut breathes sharper than steels edge

love has found a friend
pain now knows sweet liberty
hands hard at work
feet no longer on their knees

eyes that had lost its way have now colors on display
hope has made its way
to darkness on this day
fear that never seized, is now prisoned to itself

love has made its way
it always finds its way
peace brought for all's absolution
joy is here this day