Sieze the Day

Sometimes it's really hard to force yourself to study. Like, when you know it's your life in your hands and you will regret skipping later, you still decide to watch tv or play Rock Band (that may just be me) instead of reading or writing a paper. Then, once it's too late and you have your other pre-set appointments to fulfill, you get mad at yourself for screwing around and procrastinating.

I hate that because it ruins the rest of my day. It's my fault, I know, but I still hate the feeling. I know I'll feel like crap after the fact, but I still slack off! Poop...

Maybe that's how sin works? We tell ourselves everyday that we are giving ourselves over to God to be used completely, no matter what happens. We have this idea of a perfect day when we follow Christ, but that's never been our promise. Actually, we can usually expect a day filled with attacks from Satan and his army when we are faithfully pursuing Christ. And so, when a hard time comes along; a coworker upsets us; we hurt our ankle and let out a little curse; we hit a squirrel with our car; or we get stuck in a rainstorm in standstill traffic on our way home, we get mad at ourselves and forget about our well-intentioned, utopian idea of holding onto God.

Now, I know we aren't perfect. Far from it. But we are called to pursue that perfection, and when we fall short we should try that much harder. Guilt is not something God gives us to say "you're fault, not mine! You should've tried harder." No! He embraces us for who we are: dirty, ugly, imperfect, sometimes stupid humans that are so blessed with the grace of God that it's unfathomable. Beautiful and harsh at the same time.

So, whether it be in our walks or our books, let's pursue perfection. Stop putting so much blame on yourself and instead view it as a learning experience when we mess up. No more spiritual procrastination. CARPE DIEM!

Home Away From Home

The icy cold breeze runs past my legs as I walk into the warm, inviting island of peace that is Starbucks. In search of that ether of life, the warming, bitter drink that can warm a man to the bones, I walk to the counter and a woman with an friendly smile. No one else is around as I look up at the menu. Wondering which drink would tickle my fancy, I pick cautiously because the wrong drink, as everyone knows, has the potential to ruin even the most lively of days.

I tell the friendly woman what I would like, parting sadly with my money, but looking forward to gaining so much more in return. What a great investment! I think to myself as she hands me the steaming cup of life, which I hurry over to my table to enjoy. I sit and wait for it to cool, for there is nothing worse than drinking a cup of steaming liquid, only to burn oneself and lose the taste from the rest of the cup.

Finally, I judge that the cup is ready. Holding it with two hands, almost as if the mug were my child, I brink the ether to my lips and sip. Ah! I think. As it hits my lips, I sigh in contentment. I let it linger on my tongue and swallow, warmth emanating first through my throat and then to rest of my body. Amazing! I say again to myself. How can something so small and seemingly unimportant bring with it such power and warmth?

As I continue to sip and enjoy my mug of happiness, people are coming in and out of the store. I look up occasionally, wondering if they feel the same as I do each time they drink from their cup. It doesn't matter though. I am happy, sitting at my table alone, save for the music, aroma, and taste of such a beautiful and comforting place. Lost in my cup and thoughts, I smile and lean back in my chair, looking around at my home away from home...