Live Life Intentionally

I have a friend who is a passionate, determined, fascinating, diligent patriot. He and I met years ago when our fathers worked together in Misawa, Japan. As a youth this friend was kind, gracious, hospitable, gentle and protective. He was my big brother in many ways and took the protection duties my dad charged him with very seriously. After high school graduation my friend served his country as a proud corpsman and member of an airborne unit. Today he is a part of a cath lab team and rides his motorcycle proudly in races which support military personnel and families. My friend is very passionate and vocal about his opinions with regard to our country, the military and politics. He posts blogs, essays and photos on Facebook which keep me on my toes.

The lens my friend sees life through is not the one I see life through, and often I find my opinions and beliefs juxtaposed to his. We do not always choose who we do life with and yet today, out of the blue, my friend sent me two photos and a blessing. The photos were spectacular photographs punctuating the breathtaking beauty which surrounds us as a creation. Coupled with the photographs was a blessing of hope and truth. I was blown away by his gift, and I felt honored that he not only remembered me, but he took the time to bless me.

Many people are not that fortunate. In our lives are people who desperately need words of hope and blessings. Seemingly small acts make or break someone’s day. Most of us have had at least 18 years of living this adventure called life and we know when people are hurting. We know when people are not themselves. We know when something is not right. We may not know what to do, but we know something needs to be done.

This month especially, I invite you to live life intentionally. See people, really see people. Smile. Offer compliments. Shower folks with blessings and hope. Be an advocate. Be a support. Be a friend. If you become aware of someone who is hurting, connect them with someone who can help. Walk with them to the Counseling Center, the Health Center or the Center for Spiritual Life. Help the individual talk to their RA. If it is an emergency such as a threat to self or others, call security.

We do not choose who we do life with but I am convinced that who we journey with in this life matters. May our life on this campus be lived intentionally and may our commitment to our fellow Hornets be more than words.

Blessings on us all,

Katrina