Standing in front of my parents' kitchen sink, I found simplicity. A glass of water in hand, glistening in the lazy morning light, was the only sustenance my body needed. Gingerly, I swallowed the crystalline perfection. The indescrible taste mingled with the sweet, soft undertone of blood in the back of my throat. I had just ran 2 miles, a feat for an old-out-of-shape man.
This primal feeling spawned memories. Memories where simplicity ruled and where the future was uncertain. The sound of the water hitting the stainless steel sink, conjured a mid-Summer memory. A garden hose, hitting the rocks, in my parents' front yard. Steve, Alex, Matt, and I had just finished one of those incredible Basketball games to 100. Alex had to jump over a bush to save a ball, Matt had to shoot a three over Alex's flailing hand, Steve had to knock me over, and I had to make a game winning shot. Of course, I only remember the games I win right? The pure simplicity of the sport and the camaraderie are two things I will never forget.
Swallowing my water, I lingered between this point on my timeline and today. Somehow simplicity evaporated with my childhood; now all that is left is the uncertain future.
I find it absolutely amazing though, how one point in time is so foreign yet unforgettable. What drew our lines apart? Distance, experience, relationships; whatever it may be I know this memory lives on for me and for them.
It is memories like these that give us the fuel to do what is current and what is necessary. I am so thankful for everyone from my past, they have given me the tools for today and for tomorrow. Even though the future may be uncertain, I know I will find my way. The people along the way, just like my memories, will never be forgotten.
Post a Comment | The Wake Left By This Wave
The house-buying process reminds me of a chemistry experiment. You have it clearly outlined on paper: the ingredients, several sets of reactions, and the desired final product. We will dub the set of reactions as Offer, Inspection, Closing. Today's issue: The Offer Reaction.
The Ingredients: Me, my agent, the sellers, their agents.
The Reaction: Me -> My Agent -> Sellers' Agent -> Seller -> Seller's Agent -> My Agent -> Me.
The Product: Accepted Offer - Signed Purchase Agreement
Here is what this seemingly simple reaction has looked like. Stars stand for a magical step that happens only with a bit of skill... but mostly magic...
At this point, the Offer Reaction is the rate-limiting step of the experiment. From offers, to counter offers, to mortgage loan requirements, to relocation requirements, and back to the drawing board... I've had a messy first reaction in this house-buying experiment...
Post a Comment | The Wake Left By This Wave
Jason Bourne is practically a household name. The writers of the Bourne Trilogy captured audiences everywhere. Just as a refresher, Jason Bourne was shot on a yacht in the very beginning of the story. He fell into the water and presumably died. A very curious thing happened afterward. Bourne lived and awoke on a meager fishing boat, he did not remember who he was.
Now through a Christian lens, you could say that this act of dying, immersion in water, and a awakening is similar to the act of baptism. Removed of sin, a fresh start, a new beginning.
Granted Bourne's travels were not very Christ-like, you have to admire is undying dedication towards finding the truth. The truth of his past, his present, and his future. An explanation for his gifts and an explanation of his purpose.
If you can just forget the violence of the storyline, Bourne's character is a perfect model for Christian life. Relentless motivation followed by uncomfortable struggles leading to the truth. The truth about character, the truth about purpose. If only we demonstrated the same compassion. God gave us all amazing gifts. Gifts to help us find out our identity and purpose.
Take a couple lessons from Jason Bourne, after all he is a hero :)