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What 10 Years Can Do

Posted by simplisticthoughts , Friday, August 3, 2012 10:16 AM

 Today marks my ten year high school reunion anniversary and unfortunately I will not be able to attend, perhaps I will be make it to the twenty year milestone.  Considering this fact that it has been ten years since I have roamed the halls of Meridian High as a student, I have been in a state of nostalgia the past few days.  Remembering old times, friends and memories as well as reflecting on the years in between.  Ten years can really change a person and even though there are days where you feel not a lot has ultimately changed, hindsight takes a knock at your door.  Joyce Meyer once said, "I may not be where I want to be, but thank God I am not where I use to be", now I admittedly had a blast in high school a majority of the time and I contribute much of that to the group of crazy friends I held close.  Most days I did not care what people thought of me, but I still did my best to get along with most people- although I was not always successful, I mean what is high school without a little bit of drama, right?  

It is the years post high school that have been most fulfilling in hindsight and have been paving the way for what the future has in store for me.  Since school, I have become a Christian that understands the value of a relationship with God and that it is not through ritual, works or even the church that grants me belonging, yet in Christ alone.  I have gotten to serve people in the streets of New York by hearing their stories, feeding them and praying life over them.  I have prayed with Senators in the offices of the most important buildings in our country in Washington, D.C.  I have been all over our own city serving the community, our homeless and in the halls of high school and college campuses meeting with students encouraging them in their pursuit of life and God.  I have networked and helped in the uniting of women in our outdoor communities, especially in local women's snowboarding (No Bunnies!). I lived a summer in the Denali National Park in Alaska. Currently I am working on my degree in History and English to later get my teaching certificate in Secondary Ed so I can work in alternative high schools.  Later, ideally I would love a Master's in the study of apologetics because C.S. Lewis and Ravi Zacharias are some of my hero's and if life allows me, a Ph.D.   Eventually I would like to work more extensively in ministries involved in the rescue of women in sex trade industries.  I am dating my best friend, Matt Roper and I cannot wait to see what God has in store for our future together.  So in hindsight, I have come a long way, seeing and doing a lot and God-willing, this is just the beginning.  Ultimately, I have learned the accomplishments I have made along the way are not for my benefit, but to give God glory and help those around me- "Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name goes all the glory for your unfailing love and faithfulness" Ps 115:1.  

To the rest of my fellow MHS classmates, remember what was in the past is in the past, do not be afraid to give second chances or third ones for that matter.  Be brave and courageous as you pursue your life, never let the opinions of others alter the course of your life because each one of your lives carry influence and purpose, you never know whose life you are changing.  Do not compare your achievements or accomplishments to those around you because each one of us are called to different areas of influence, so never forsake where you are at now.  Love deeply, show compassion towards the trespasses of others, offer forgiveness and dream big, even if some dreams do not transpire, at least you are dreaming.  Always give 100% and serve others when you can.  It is more than looking at the glass half full or empty, but instead living with purpose.  No one can do what you were born to do, so love who you are and what you were created to do!  Love you Class of 2002!