The Declaration

As with most important things that I'm supposed to do, this is late.

I meant to write this yesterday.  You know, because it was the beginning of the month and any motivational declaration just has that permanent ring to it when you do it at the beginning of something.  But no, not I.  It's not even the beginning of the day for me anymore.  It's middle of the afternoon and I just ate some "artisan" (seriously... what does that even mean, Tostitos?) black bean and garlic chips.

But here we go.  Ever since I thought of writing this I thought of definitely not writing this.  Because, ya sure it sounds cool, but honestly.. that's kind of bold.  But with boldness comes adventure and I'm not wearing this backpack for nothing so from now on I think I'm throwing away my bucket list. [BAM... did you feel it?]

I think I'm giving up my dream to travel the world.  That's a big dream.  7 billion people in that dream.  This does not mean that I don't want to travel the world but that I will not hope for it, I will not wait for it, I will not write it on a list of things to complete.  I'm giving up my dreams in pursuit of freedom.  To not be tied down to anything that the world has to offer, but to be open to whatever God puts on my plate (let it be made with cheese God, please!).

I think I'm giving up my dream of seeing as many friends as often as possible.  I think I'm letting go of the need for community in return for a bigger one.  To be open to the faces that are naturally in front of me instead of pining after the ones who are familiar and easy to look at.

I want to be tied down to nothing.  So that love can manifest itself in me and that I might be always pouring it out.  I don't care if I ever attend a FIFA World Cup final, or a Stanley Cup final, or another final exam.

My path might be unique but my goals should not be.  I'm not saying that I will never do any of the things that I would enjoy, but I cannot live for the expectation of those things.  I am letting go of the expectation that I will ever do _______.  Even if I have amassed hundreds of hours researching that certain thing.  That thing is a sideways goal and I'm trying to get to the top of the mountain, or to the sun, or whatever.

If you have the words to a song, write it.  Don't worry about making an album.  If you feel the need to do something nice for someone, bake them cookies from the recipe on the back of the chocolate chips bag.  Do what is natural.  When we think extravagantly we lose sight of the original objective.  Do what drives you now!  And who cares if you ever see the Great Wall of China while on a hot air balloon ride?! (even though... uggh.. so cool.)

To love always.  To move when compelled.  To wake up every morning and ask, "Okay Jesus, what do you have planned for us today?"