2008 has by far been my most eventful year thus far, but aforementioned, this can be said about each proceeding years as one ages. This year saw me finish two successful semesters at the University of Calgary towards my Degree, saw the birth and controversy surrounding this blog, brought Stacey into my life, saw me begin my reign as President of UNICEF on Campus, saw me volunteer twice a week at the Calgary Drop In Center, witnessed my involvement with both CoolBiz through Momentum Community Developers & YouthScape through Child & Youth Friendly Calgary. 2008 also saw me continue my employement with the City, work temporarily as a Shift Supervisor @ Starbucks in Sunridge, and now work part-time as a Sale Associate @ Underground in Sunridge. It saw me vacation in Vancouver with my two best friends, and go on a Field Trip to Guyana, in South America. This year saw some absolutely amazing people come into my life; and the path of life took some people out of it. 2008 had the disdain to see the death of my only living Grandparent, and other relatives in Pakistan, while having the pleasure of seeing Mom’s business flourish, and Dad continue work on his Ministry.
The people who have been there for me since adolesence are still there – the ones I walked home with in Junior High School are the ones I now drive home from the Club. Its refreshing to have the privelage of knowing such individuals. Friendships gone arwy have been mended, words have been exchanged, and things are on the right track. Though everything doesn’t always work out as expected, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Family has become good friends, and good friends have become family. What more could I ask for?
As far as Status Symbols go, 2008 served as my year to stock up on it all: cell phones, denim, laptops, cars, necklaces, hats, watches & jackets to rings, wallets, cameras, shoes, skincare products, socks, music devices, duffel bags & belts. From Honda, Apple, Fujifilm, Tiffany & Co., Links of London, Gucci, Nixon, Louis Vuitton, Lush/Clinique, Jordan/Nike and TRs/William Rasts/Nudies/Naked & Famous/Levis, I’ve hit all the big stores, spent big bucks, and attained whatever status comes with the possession of these items (if anything, all this is is a self professed one created by the media and only in existence because of people like me who actually buy into this shit, so frankly, no status at all) …
This year, instead of a series of witty and creative catch phrases about life that I could come up with, I realized that in reality, I only learnt one simple lesson, which I have been working hard to implement and work into every aspect of my life.
A few weeks ago, I came home from a double shift, and as usual, Mom was waiting for me in the kitchen. She warmed me up some dinner, and as I sat at the counter watching her wash the last few dishes for the night, she looked up and said the following to me;
“You need to embrace your enemies, and show them the forgiveness which only the Lord is capable of restoring in your soul. Otherwise, you’ll end up a bitter and miserable person, one who’s very own being repels other people, both friend or foe. Only once you let the grace of God shine through to everyone around you will you finally have inner peace, and at that point, nothing anybody does or says will matter.”
And that’s just it. It was forgiveness that allowed Jesus to raise his head to God as he hung on a wooden cross, dieing both from physical pain, and the sheer humiliation of everything around him, right before his body went into a state of shock, leading to his inevitable, but temporary, death. He pleaded with God to forgive those who had struck 3 inch nails into his feet and wrists, who had lashed his chest and back 40 times, those who had struck his bleeding face with vinegar, and stuck thorns into his scalp, those are the people that Jesus begged his Father to forgive.
I mean, wow, if Jesus was able to pull that off, than how hard is it for me to forgive those people who’ve talked down to me, stabbed me in the back with their words, or kicked my head into walls? How difficult would it be for me to forget hateful words, dirty looks, and misunderstood conversations? And that’s when reality hits you and you realize that if it wasn’t for your pride, your reputation, and your ego, all this would be effortless. Unfortunately, humanity has those three concepts instilled in the core of their beings.
Next year, it would be nice to quit smoking, to excel in school, go to the Gym thrice a week, bring down my debt (work more/spend less), go to Church regularly, maintain my friendships, go on extravagant vacations, and buy more kicks. But what good is all that? I did all of that this year, and it’s left me no happier nor any sadder.
So that’s just it then. 2008 taught me the importance of Forgiveness, and my one and only resolution for 2009 is to Forgive, and to ask for Forgiveness where or when necessary. Everyone makes mistakes in their lives, and once that ego, that pride, that reputation is shed, endless possibilities are inevitable.
This is my 300th post, and I just recently hit 3000 hits. Thanks for all my readers, both anonymous, haters, and friends; you’re the reason I do what I do. Enjoy the last few hours of 2008, and lets leave the past where it belongs, and move forward into a brand new year?
