Recently I’ve gotten to hear “stories� of some squad mates, in effort to get to
know them better. Beyond learning about the person, I gained nuggets of insight into their psyche, their struggles, and their passions. The actually telling of the story can bear as much information as the story itself. Currently I’m struggling with how to tell my personal story…do I start young and progress year by year with the things that were happening in and around me? Do I focus only on the spiritual highlights? How much, if any, of my family member’s business do I include? How deep do I go, how far do I open my book????
While I wrestle with some questions, I have found a greater joy and confirmation
in other things. The stories of squad mates include distant and troubled siblings, severed friendships, temptation ridden relationships, misunderstandings, complacency, verbal and physical abuse. As I hear various parts of stories I become more and more grateful for the life I have led. I don’t feel like I was handed life on a silver platter, but I have been immensely blessed! It is difficult to put into words all the things I find myself being thankful for, so I am going to make a list.
· Despite different groups of friends, colleges, and states, my high school friends are still in my life, always picking up where we leave off, and still providing love, support and laughter in my life.
· My family is not perfect. (But we’re close!) There is balance between being too attached and love dovey, and cold and distant. We are silly, practical, fun, serious, loving, controlling, supportive and straight-shooting.
· My moral upbringing. I have never thought to consider what life would be like if I had not been taught to carry myself properly, be polite, adventurous, grateful, hospitable, independent, hardworking and respectful. I cherish my childhood and welcoming home.
· The opportunities I got to travel and learn. The emphasis on education.
· The opportunities I didn’t get to study abroad and impact might be having on my desire to work in international education and in insuring student exchange opportunities for even unlikely candidates.
· THERAPY. I am so thankful for the psychologist I saw in San Antonio who became like a friend’s mom to me. She was a confidant, advisor, and friend. I understand more about myself and my thinking. Counseling has also done wonders for my family, tuning things 180 degrees for a vibrant, new, healthy relationship development.
· HOSPITALITY. My mom is Ms. Hospitality! She raised me to love parties, love décor, and love serving people. I am so thankful for the openness and love that I have been shown throughout my life by families, friends, and the best-strangers. God truly does reward those who pour out into His people. I hope others describe me as a hospitable lady.
