Thursday, February 10, 2011

One to Celebrate, the Other to Remember

Today is a double anniversary. One for celebrating, the other for remembering. Allow me to explain...

One for remembering: 10 years ago today, a great friend of mine passed. I was fortunate to know this man. I was close enough that I could learn, speak, and be with him; yet I was far enough that I was unable to see him in his down times, his flaws, his weaknesses. I was able to see him when he made the right decisions. In my mind he was perfect in almost every way and he was an example for me. I spent time with him and he became my mentor, friend and brother. Much of who I am, how I act and who I spend my time with is because of him. This man took part in naming me, but he never used my name only referring to me endearingly as his best friend. I was able to spend 10 years learning from this man. He is someone that I strive to be, and will continue to learn from even beyond the grave. I love him. Thank you for being a part of my life, even if it was for a moment.

One for celebrating: One year ago today, I became myself. This might be hard to understand, but I celebrate this day because I overcame the shadow that hovered above my head. I was able to shed the weight that held me down for the most part of my life. Since then I have been able to shape myself into the man that I want to be, without the pressure looming around. Many people may understand what it is like to have unlawfully placed expectations upon them, and the struggle that comes with it all. That was what was upon me. I was able to overcome by outlasting the unbearable weight. I work my way around it by surviving longer than the pressure did. I am spending this day on correcting on reflection of myself and looking to see where I am, and where I'll be going. I'll be celebrating because I am free.

These two happenings are will have a continual impact on my life, especially because they are connected by this date. I am becoming myself through reflection, refinement by the Lord, and reaching for the standard that a friend once set for me. I am celebrating and remembering.

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