It is a bit funny how everything speaks to me. Everyday things happen, whether great or small, that affect me in some manner, teaching me some type of lesson. Inspiration is always dancing around me without end. I don't mind it at all, but sometimes I think it is all I will ever have. There is a mark of loneliness that has branded my soul. Assuredly God is always at my side, but the human soul yearns for another made of the same flesh and blood.
Benjamin Franklin gave a quote in "Poor Richard's Almanac" that says "God helps them who help themselves." Some make efforts to discredit that phrase, saying that it is better to trust in the Lord than to trust in man, and like Scriptures - and indeed those things are true. However, in Franklin's defense, I believe that his quote is somewhat misinterpreted. In my opinion, his quote appears to be addressing the issue of laziness. Surely, in the helpless state of man, God will come to the rescue, but there are other situations in which man isn't helpless. I'd like to call your attention to the Bible's book of James, chapter two, verses 15-17 - "If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. "
After reading those verses for myself, it seems Franklin's quote should be revised like so: "God helps them who help OTHERS." Essentially, both the original and revised quotes somewhat exemplify the concept of faith without works being dead.
I question my reasoning for bringing the quote up in the first place, but nonetheless, let's move on - shall we?
Once college is done and I return home, I will have little to no idea what to do with my life. Of course, I have my goals and ambitions, but none of them earn me a salary or a consistent payroll, at least not right away. Those may take years. Anyway, the idea of a permanent full-time job sickens me, I must say. I really can't imagine myself coming back to a life of monotony. In most cases, judging solely from my observations, careers are generally either tolerable or very boring. The latter is probably destined for me. From what I know, the areas in which I am talented in would only bring financial income if I was to become famous. Even in that case, I doubt I possess the personality for that sort of endeavor. My demeanor is generally subdued, shy, and often forlorn.
On a more positive note, I don't require much to live. The basic necessities of life are all I truly need - food, shelter, water, clothing, etc. I can do without television (which I have for several years already). Internet isn't a necessity, but it's obvious I'm rather addicted to it. I can easily resort to doing what I did back at college when they didn't have wireless fidelity hooked up - go to the local library. Oh, which reminds me . . . . Rhonda the Honda needs petroleum, oil changes, and occasional maintenance as long as I continue to travel various places.
Materialism isn't something that affects me. One could blame that on my previous religion (New Age) in which I practiced Feng Shui, which teaches the practice of de-cluttering. I just don't like having a lot of stuff around and getting attached to it.
Probably the thing I fear most about the future is being lonely. After living with myself for the past 22+ years, I know fairly well how I operate. Most of my affairs are kept private - (And no, I'm not talking about love affairs. Everyone always knows about those :-P Hahaha, just kidding) I'm a minority in a TREMENDOUS amount of ways . . . . . seriously. It is nearly impossible to even try to liken me to any kind of stereotype. A few people have said to me that I defy all labels.
Of course, thinking of all this is futile. Perhaps it is far too early to think of these things. I've got several months . . . well, five. Hmmm.
Continue to teach me Thy ways, O sovereign God.
Friday, December 25, 2009
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