Random thoughts on a Tuesday

As I grow older the world becomes more complicated.
It's hard to let go and trust God.
I really wish that money was never invented.
I want to help people. Especially family.
Time spent with the ones we love is well spent. It matters.
I'm worth it.
You're worth it.
I cry for other people more than I cry for myself.
I get angry for other people more than I get angry for myself.
The world is in a sad state. Most people don't realize that it is all caused by sin.
We need to give ourselves to people and then find out what we personally need to recharge and renew.

*I hope that all of us in the moments of fragility and defeat will find victory. It is there.

I can't wait till God makes everything better (as a whole). Until then I pray that we can learn from our circumstances, decisions, and passions. And take what we learn and apply it to our lives with courage to move forward and change and grow in faith and love. To take what is given to us (talents, knowledge, wisdom, and what we freakin love about life) and use them to the best of our abilities.

Quick list for Bryce.

1. There was a small battle that took place. I saw the whole thing, the confidence in the question I wanted to ask, the hesitation because I wanted my first words to be something different than everyone elses, the outcome being exactly what I didn't want but exactly what I knew it would be.

2. "I bet people always ask you how tall you are."

3. I laughed at myself. Mainly because I knew what really just happend. It wasn't just a question.

4. "Six foot nine inches" was his answer.

5. I was sitting outside of Starbucks and was reading "Blue Like Jazz" when I found out that me and Bryce had something in common.

6. I figured that if he liked this book then we would probably get along, probably have some good conversations about life, love, and God.

7. My figures were correct.

8. Quickly we became good friends.

9. I taught him the ropes of Starbucks. (Or maybe he figured them out?)

10. He's a bright kid.

11. We would flail around Starbucks yelling out Arnold Swartz lines and loud lingering "MAAAAAMAAAAAAAAs."

12. I'd throw things at him and he would throw a fit and cuss at me. I would appoligize and hope that he was alright.

12. I'd make it up by making him a "J-ROD."

13. He would tell me how much it sucks that Kate was in another state.

14. I understood.

15. He was soon to wed and move far far away.

16. I was one of the people who tried to talk him out of moving.

17. I told him that Wisconsin would be crappy.

18. He cussed at me.

19. I felt horrible and realized that I needed to support him.

20. I love his honesty and frankness.

21. I missed his wedding because my daughter Olive was born the week of.

22. I felt bad about that. I still feel bad.

23. He moved.

24. He inspired me to start blogging.

25. I check his blog at least three times a day...just waiting for more words.

26. I miss him.