Chasing Ideals

I got off of the phone this evening after long chats with Tara and my parents and was floored at the gifts I have been given in this life. At the age of 23 I have gotten to experience cultures and to explore wonders of nature that some in a lifetime will never see or even know exist. In my former job I had the opportunity to affect the lives of hurting and desperate people. I could offer hope, real love, a simple hug, friendly smile to those who in most cases have never experienced such treasures. After the confusion of my childhood years now I no longer have to wonder why I am on this earth or what my purpose is in this life. I have begun now to live out that purpose and to experience true contentment in its fulfilment.

The most valuable treasure that supercedes and binds all else is that of relationships. First and foremost with my savior Jesus and through him and in him all others. While I spoke to Tara through Skype this evening she had a webcam on and I was watching her little boy Faolan playing. Not all of you know this but I got to spend the majority of waking hours with that little chap during his first month. I was there for his entrance into this world. To have the gift of being with Faolan for some of his first moments and now today to watch him playing and laughing and talking(squeels and grunts but talking nontheless). When I spoke with my parents for a moment my niece Faith said hello to me and later my mother told me that my nephew Colin was walking around. The first I had seen of Colin walking was in the Willis Album on Lovable Quirks. When I left it was the start of his crawl phase and now he is walking and I dare say running at times. I was reminded of each visit to my sister Aran and that in all of the last times Faith would run to the door and shout "Uncle Skyler" at my arrival. These moments, treasured times even with ones so young, are what I am chasing after in this life. I have devoted my life to loving others as Jesus did but the truth is that I have received the greatest rewards. By putting relationships first (Jesus first) I am realizing life to the fullest. What offer of wealth or possession could match the joy in my heart tonight? If you haven't already please also read the post below about my marvelous sis.

The birthdays just keep coming. Today is my sister Lisa's birthday and another opportunity to extend some well deserved kudos. I am so blessed to be part of a large family, each of us having dynamic personalities. Lisa is no exception. She is one that gives her all to any goal that she has set for her life. She cares deeply for the people around her and is willing without hesitation to go to great lengths to help another in need. I will never forget the day of my departure from home when I was seventeen. Her tears of concern and care for me had a profound impact in reminding me that my well being occupied an important place in her heart. I have always known that were I to be in need she would at the very least kick the shite out of a mountain side in an attempt to move it on my behalf.

I mentioned that she gives her all but why not expound. I honestly haven't met another human being who commits himself/herself so thoroughly. Whether it was to the completion of nursing school or a first full marathon Lisa does not waver in her efforts. I was there to provide hugs and kisses at the end of that marathon and as always amazed at her accomplishment. In her work as a nurse I am certain that to those around her she is an inspiration. She loves to be challenged and to increase her knowledge and effectiveness. Situations that she adds her efforts toward are undoubtedly and swiftly improved. I hope that in my life I can achieve such a level of commitment to those things I set before me.

There were times when I was younger that I thought her foolish to drop everything in order to help someone. She has a willingness to answer a need before it is even presented to her. If a hesitation does exist it is certainly not evident or long-lived. It is that same attitude that I wish to maintain. Not being one to ask if the other deserves the help but rather considering the need and if I can fill it. When I am reminded of such things I am so thankful for the example she has shown for my own life. Hers is another birthday that I must miss this year but in spite of I am blessed to use this writing board to celebrate who she is and how her life affects my own.