Be the Good.

So I promised that my next post was going to be an uplifting one. And as promised, I've got a story for you.

I was at the post office today and there was a long line for the self service kiosk. There was an elderly woman trying to buy stamps at the machine. She was obviously struggling with how to work it. About five minutes pass. A guy about my age maybe a little older approaches her and in the most polite and respectful way, asks her if she would like any help. She replied that she suffered a stroke so she has lost some short term memory. The guy walked her through the entire process showing how it worked the whole time encouraging her and explaining what was going on. When she was finished, she told him was grateful she was and told him that it was good people like him that kept the world going. She then turned around and apologized to the rest of the line. Instead of the line being annoyed for having to wait, people smiled and genuinely encouraged her.

The whole scene just warmed my heart. Lately there has been a lot of doom and gloom on the news. Maybe even more than usual if that's possible. A lot of disasters, death, murder,etc. With all of that it is easy to assume that the world and the people in it are just getting worse and worse.


Bottom line-There are still amazingly kind and good people on this planet. In fact, our generation is getting the reputation for being one of the most altruistic. The scene at the post office was just a wonderful reminder of all the good in the world. Big and small.

So let's live up to our reputation. Let's start spreading more kindness, generosity, and love instead of complaining about all the bad.

Struggle

So life has been pretty good lately. I have a job but I have to wait for my license so I'm basically on summer vacation. My bffl is moving back soon. It's my mom's birthday (Go wish her a very happy birthday!!) I could go on but simply I've been breathing easy. Finally taking a deep breath.

Then I went to church on Sunday and the message was "Living proof He is the King of Peace". You can check it out here. But warning! Have your tissues ready. I cried my eyes out. It is message about despite what happens, God loves you and can give you peace.

Growing up I had the idea that if you're a good person and do what you're supposed to do, nothing bad will happen to  you. And if something "bad" happened, I would look back and wonder well I guess it was because I did something bad.

I've learned over the past two years and was reminded again on Sunday, bad things happen to good people. Life can be tough. You can do the absolute best you can (and that's probably a good idea anyways) but life can still knock you down. And it's inexplicable. And out of the blue. And just plain hard.  But like Robert Frost says, Life goes on.

And like I said in my rainy day post, sad days are absolutely ok. So is enjoying the happy days (and the days that feel like summer vacation).

We are all going to experience the worst days of our lives. And not in the "Got a flat tire in the rain. WORST DAY EVER" sense. Literally the day when your heart breaks into a million pieces. Some of us may have more than one. Things won't go according to your plan. But in those days, know that the Creator of the universe loves you so incredibly much. And He can bring you peace. The restorative healing kind of peace. And there is wonderful Joy ahead.

Man. That post was a downer. But I just had to share the sermon. Next post will be more upbeat. I promise!

Quarter Life Crisis

Well with my 25th birthday right around the corner, I think it's safe to say I may be having a quarter life crisis. I read some of the books on the list from Pinterest "books for you quarter life crisis" (or something like that) and I thought it would make me feel better. It didn't.

Here's the thing. Life can be tough. It's not going to turn out the way you planned it. And that's beautiful, tragic, awe-inspiring, perplexing chaotic, scary, and joyful all wrapped in one.

It's been said before but our culture is completely wrapped up in the wanting more, having more, doing more. To an extent, that's not a bad thing. But here I am at 25 with two degrees and  a pretty good life and I was about to melt down because I couldn't find a job in a month. Well, I lied. I did have a meltdown. I was mad that I couldn't find a job in the area I wanted to. I was worried what other people thought of me. I was tired of explaining what I was doing postgrad. I was sad and hurt that a place didn't think I was a good fit.

Sometimes a meltdown is all you need. It changed my attitude and outlook. I remembered a few things.

Made me remember that it's not in my control. I can work my very hardest and apply but at the end of the day, I will end up where I need to be.
I remembered that my identity is not wrapped up into whether or not I find a job. Period.
I remembered that  this is my life,my story. So I need to stop comparing it to others.
I remembered that it was ok to feel all of those things I mentioned above. But I needed to feel it and then let it go.
Finally, I remembered that I'm not guaranteed an easy life. Struggle is part of everyone's story. It's what makes the story interesting. And like my friend Evelynn said, we will look back in this time in our lives and realize some things (like job hunting) are just bumps in the road.

And of course, in typical Courtney-melodramatic fashion, I found a job a week later. It's not the area I was expecting but I'm going to take the leap of faith. I'm excited but scared. Who knows what this new chapter will hold but that's the exciting thing.

So I encourage you, embrace the struggle. Live your own story. You are enough and have enough. Most of all, you're loved no matter what.