Someone I met...

This past weekend I crossed paths with a woman who lives a hard life. She is in her 50s, lost her husband, and is trying to make ends meet to retire at a reasonable age. In doing so she is taking classes to get her undergraduate degree, working hard and trying to start a new life after the death of her loved one. It made me think alot about my life now. To not take things for granted and to never give up even when everything around is falling apart. Despite all the situations around her, she was in good spirits.

I am reading a book on compassion and keep thinking about how we are called to carry each others' burdens. But what does that mean in a practical sense? It means to allow ourselves to feel the deep emotions of others and pray for them. As the book describes it, "in compassionate prayer we bring before God those who suffer ...and through us ... they are restored.... Through us God's Spirit touches them with God's healing presence."*

Today, as I listened to her story I kept thinking about compassion. I felt empathy for her. Compassion is an emotion that lacks all pride. It doesn't compare. It simply allows one to identify with another. I am thankful to have crossed paths with this woman to open my eyes to the the people around me.

*Nouwen, Henri JM (1982) Compassion New York, Doubleday Publishers. p.108

The next step

Last night I decided to take the first step in the long process of going back for my MBA: looking through the GMAT book at Barnes and Noble. No, I did not yet purchase the book, but I figured I had to start somewhere right? After a quick 40 min run at the gym, Bryan and I grabbed a quick bite at Moe's SW Grill and then hit the books. It was actually fun (my inner nerd is now coming out). It was like a late night college study party- complete with a HUGE chocolate chunk cookie- fresh from the cafe - and a small decaf coffee.

I can imagine this is what it would have been like had Bryan and I met in college. Which, I am thankful we did not. Unfortunately, I was a super over-achiever in college in every sense of the word and lived for 4 years with my head in a book or my feet racing on a track. Well, ok not really- but I am just glad to have met Bryan later in life when I have more time for .... you know... LIFE! :)

Not to get all sappy lovey-dovey on you, but life with Bryan keeps getting more and more exciting every time we see each other. I am so in love and it feels amazing! He is motivated, as am I, so it is perfect that we both are at this stage in our lives to start pursuing our Masters Degrees. The next step in education is a big step but I feel confident and excited to begin!

Tonight- study session no 2... (maybe I'll get a scone or cupcake this time).

Puddles in Heaven

Last night I watched the memorial speech by President Obama. His words have remained with me all day. It was a tragic event but we should use this event in the only positive way we can- to shape the way that we treat those around us in every minute of the day. To remember those important to us and not let a moment pass by without telling them how much they mean to us. This tragedy could have happened to any one of us. America mourns along with the victim's families.

At the end of his speech, Obama mentioned the youngest victim: Christina. She was just starting out in her life journey and embracing democracy in America. She had a child's view of the world in all its innocence. Obama said, "I want us to live up to her expectations. I want our democracy to be as good as she imagined it."

Obama's speech had a surprising positive tone despite the negative circumstances and it was received warmly by the people in Tuscon, AZ.

Another quote that stuck with me was: "If there are rain puddles in heaven, Christina is jumping in them today."

There is something so profound about how a child views the world and the fact that she is now in a better place, God willing. I want to live each day thankful for the gift of life and sharing that joy with others. We are lucky to be in a country where freedom is widespread. I can only pray for those that abuse that freedom to cause harm to others.

New Year

One week into the new year and I decided yesterday to make a list of things I want to accomplish in 2011!

1. Be a person of character, someone people can have have confidence in (at work and in friendships).
2. Be someone who loves others. I want to be someone people will not feel judged by or put down by. I want to be someone who is trustworthy.
3. Deepen my relationship with Christ daily through inspirational books, music, and conversations with Him and others.
4. Start my MBA (no better time than the present!)
5. Read more in 2011- when I start a book, actually finish it ;)
6. Be more giving to charities, church, etc.
7. Buy less material things for myself and start a fund for others
8. Possibly start a new hobby or devote more time to my music

Thats all for now!