Thursday, January 14, 2010

The Fragility of Life: Understanding and Reaching Out


There is nothing more devestating than to loose a loved one. No matter how they leave is not important, however it is the loss that causes most grief. Thinking about the recent tragedy in Haiti had me wondering about the hurt, pain and devestation that families all over are feeling from this terrible event. The masses that have suffered and the amount of lives lost are so vast that it calls upon the human emotion and bids us compassion toward our bothers and sisters.

Life is precious and to see it taken away in such uncontrollable circumstances is probably one of the most difficult things to face in the reality of it all. Questions emerge and thoughts arise. Where was God in all of this? If there is a God, how could he allow this to occur? If God is love and he cares for his children what kind of loving God allows this sort of loss? As we seek the answers to those questions I ask that you also consider this. Does God allow this to happen, or does he make things happen? This of course all depends on what your belief systems are and how you view God personally.

As for me, I believe God allows things to happen. For what ever reason and what ever purpose, God can foresee, beyond our comprehension what is able to come out of the incidents that occur in life. It may be hard to comprehend how such loss, sadness and hurt can bring about any understanding in any sort of positive light but I ask you to think deeper. As I began, I stated that as disasters occur and life is taken away at such large porportions, to say the least, it beckons the attention of the human emotion. The connectivity that we have established on such short notice creates a bond that has us working in one motion toward caring for our brothers and sisters.

There is always a need for this type of interaction, however, we seldom recognize this need. In our moments of trial and tribulations, we tend to look to connect with another. To face the monster of destruction and lend a helping hand, listening ear or an open heart. Let us not let human loss and devestation be the only time in which we allow this emotion to manifest in our daily lives and routines. Let us recognize the ability to accept this connection at any point in our existence, not just when bad things happen.

A for God, it would be too much for me to suggest that these things are allowed to occur for us to recognize the fragility of life and how it can be taken away at less than a moments notice, if that at all. But, I would like to suggest that as we ponder why these things occur and how the outcomes could ever bring about positive reactions, that we see the opportunity to open our eyes, embrace life and those who share life with us and hold them dearly. Family, friends and strangers alike can all come together when terrible things happen. Why not when things are also good? Lets asks these questions but also search diligently for the answers. There is a reason for everything whether you believe in God or not. So as you search, maybe those answers will lead you to a faith based conclusion, and maybe it won't but don't get caught in the unknown. Find a peace that passes all understanding and help to share hope to others who may not have any left or may have forgotten why they ever hoped at all.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

How's Married Life?


I felt it was important to address this question, seeing as though it has been asked of me quite frequently lately. Now before you read on, please understand that this is the perspective of a man married not more than 4 months and naiveté and ignorance may be in abundance. However, I do have a perception and I do have a belief, so be that as it may, here's what I think.

Marriage is a whole new world of interaction and existence. To be married is quite possibly one of the greatest experiences in the world. To know from this day forth and forever more, your bond with only one other will continue to grow and hopefully strengthen is a thought that continues to send chills down my spine. But this realization requires immense thought, care, and diligence. One must be willing to protect that bond and vow to never disrespect, cast down, belittle or abuse it.

Marriage is an experience that supersedes or at least, should, all other relationships in earthly terms. The trust and love that must be in abundance are delicate tools that mold and fashion each aspect of it. How'a married life? It is amazing.

Each of us carry our own personalities and each of us are our own individuals. The right partner helps you celebrate that difference and allows you to mature into the maximum potential that you are able to reach. Of course, this is only obtainable through a relationship with God, but God grants us the ability and intuition to help carry our mate to the pinnacle of their capability.

Communication I have learned is key. Not just any communication and not just when it is convenient. Sharing thoughts, perspectives, beliefs, feelings etc. are important to making sure you not only hear but also understand what it is your partner is saying or expressing. Communication helps to clearly articulate the emotions we are feeling and bottle up. With the utilization of communication, most issues are cured, at least this is what I have found to be true.

Work is important but so is recreation. Work hard o build a future, but play long enough to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Hard work builds character. Humility within your work builds honor. and Taking time to help others from the fruit of your hard work builds respect.

Take time for spiritual things. We see so often those who long for something greater, something deeper, something more grand. For some it is Allah, for others it is Buddha, for me its Christ. As long as I accept that grace and share with my lover the love he imparts on us, extending that love to those around me and showing that love to those in need, I can expect the full abundance of the blessings he has for me.

Marriage has it ups and downs but the matters on which I spoke above help to patch up the rips and tears that are worn through as time progresses. The bond stays strong with these tools and keeps it from breaking loose. Although more rough times are ahead and happiness is still brand new, Id'e like to think my love and faith can make it through the times of trial. I'm loving the experience and embracing new ideas.


So "How's Married Life"? Simply put....

AMAZING....

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Who Cares...As long As Long As I Do.

In a recent note to a friend:

So our conversation yesterday in the theater lobby was triggered in my thoughts upon viewing this status update from Sarah Greenhalgh...

"Every person is a new door to a different world."


So maybe if people were not so judgmental and careless with other folks feelings this statement could not only be true but a fascinating concept...I just choose to assume people are interested when they ask about my life. Even if it is a pseudo interest, it connects two people for a moment and opens up the mind to a new perspective in each encounter.

Topic of Conversation: Personal Info and Strangers Interests

We discussed the actions of human behavior in reference to the need to justify that which we feel is inadequate. What do you do for a living? What are your dreams? Where do you live? What are your passions? These are questions that often come up in random conversations with strangers and sometime make us feel like we must over embellish or perhaps justify the responses. But the feeling is why does it matter what a random person thinks of me? Do they really want to know or is this a pointless exchange of info used to pass time? The truth is, most people won't care about the responses to these questions or similar topics, but for those who do care, the quote applies.



Blog Spot vs Tumblr

me: its sad cause I am always telling people to put something intersting
lol
I am at work at 6:30 everyomorning so its gets lonely in the cyber world
Ellie: i imagine
try tumblring
me: Well I have the tumblr
but rarely use it
Ellie: i know
thats my point
me: I just got a blogspot so I have been using that
Ellie: what?!?!?!
thats sooo 2002
not when you have it linked to google wave =)
they gave themselves an upgrade not even tumblr can keep up with

Up In The Air...


Had a chance to see the movie last night and let me tell you, more than I expected. I've never really been one for the George Clooney band wagon and the trailer for the film was at the very least enticing. But I have an affinity for the AFI theaters and this film happened to be showing, so I took the chance. I was pleased. The film was not at all what I was expecting. One could say it is a wake up call on the many levels of love, family and connectivity in interpersonal relationships.

I can't imagine the job of Clooney's character (Ryan Bingham) being one that is easy. However, his approach was humanistic. Somehow seeing the personal care he took toward his job and the consideration he displayed for the way he executed each task was not manifested in his personal interactions with family. Although the film introduced what I observed to be a noteworthy topic, one complaint may be that it failed to properly capture an ah ha moment more realistic with human behavior. The scenes used to insinuate the need for relationships beyond platonic status were underdeveloped for the impact I believe it could have made if more emphasis was placed on the actual realization through perhaps different circumstances. In the end the impact of his realization seemed dulled however, it still left the viewer with a hint of purpose that the film sought to portray.

A decent flick over all. Not saying rush to go see it but I am saying it could be worth your dime.


Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Some People Make You Go BOOM!

I must be brutally honest. There are folks in life that make me seriously consider whether or not I would like to be a caring individual. For the most part, I would say that I like to consider that which most folk take for granted in any one person. However, because I lend myself to this consideration, I find that I scrutinize the lacking sense of empathy with most of society. Pretty much makes me want to throw in the cards. But for now, I will choose the higher road. I may need to consider some sort of self calming method so that I can keep from exploding...

BOOM!