The right thing in the small things

Have you ever had a moment in your day cause you to stop and think about what just happened? I had one of those moments occur under an hour ago.

Almost every day I take the bus on campus, and about every day I take the bus home. The bus is a unique system in itself, and I have begun to realize that I might not be using my bus pass to its economic value of $45. A bus trip to campus and home is $1. For the 16 weeks of school I have to make 45 trips on campus and back home. I realize I have been using my bus pass less than 3 days out of the week... which equates to around $45. So... the reality is that I'm cutting it close to actually saving money by buying a bus pass.

Anyways, back to my initial plan of discussion. Unfortunately the bus stop on my return home is located at the intersection of Abbot and Lake Lansing Road, so I am forced to make an undesired trip the 1/4 mile to my house on Swart St. On this trip I am usually accompanied by individuals who live in Capstone Apartments. The Capstone group usually divides itself since some live north of me and others west of me. The division occurs at this one house. It's more like this old rental house, nothing special, just old. All of the "Capstonees" that live west of me use the method of "the shortest distance between two points is a straight line" and walk through the yard of this house. Now this yard has an obvious trail through it. It's a trail that would resemble something obvious like yellow snow as a result of something peeing in it. The effects are the same when you look at the trail; it's disgusting.

I observed something different today though. For the first time, I watched one guy walk out to the street that the house was on, go out of his way, and proceeded to NOT walk on the gross path through the yard.

Now I wonder, "Why?" I'm surprised at this young man's boldness. I noticed that this was accepted by every body. I mean, the path IS already there so why not just use it? BUT he didn't. He avoided it. He stood out. I bet he felt like he was doing the right thing by respecting the property of the person that lived there. It was a simple decision, do the right thing... even in the small stuff.

THAT is the small stuff, walking through somebody’s yard to save you time without their permission.

It's funny that I bring this up. Don't think that I am trying to be self righteous, because I walk through my neighbor's yard every morning to make it to the bus stop. It's more convicting than anything. BUT my difference is that I would have to dramatically walk out of my way (maybe 3 minutes) to make it to the bus stop. Humm.... but does that justify it? What is the maximum sacrifice that I have to make before I justify my actions? What is the cost?

Wait, didn’t Jesus stress out about dying on the cross? Wasn’t He burdened by the sacrifice He was about to make? But He willingly gave His life, because it was what had to be done.

Lesson application:
Do what is right in the small stuff, because that will reflect in your character in the large things.

Someday, I'll have to make decisions that could breach my integrity and character. How prepared am I to make those decisions? How prepared am I to make those decisions that nobody else will ever know about?

...What about God? Will I let Him make those decisions? Better yet, will I listen to what He is telling me to?

This whole growth thing is difficult. I have a long ways to go...

Lord I thank you for your patience, grace, and that you have promised your Holy Spirit to guide me in these situations. If you need to teach me more in this area, please do so. I have a feeling that character and integrity are kind of important.

And the inconsistent sleep pattern continues

Yay, I've been up since 6:30AM after falling asleep at 2:30AM. I can't sleep. I feel like a million things are going through my head. I'm sure most of you can relate (if not all). I've been faced with some challenges lately that have required action on my part. Yeah, there is no passive way out of them. Unfortunately, I can't get into specifics about some of them.

One thing that has been blowing my mind has been the whole graduation thing. I, Mr. Ryan Shannon, will be graduating in May. I have a nice job lined up, plenty of friendships behind me, a great relationship with God, and I'm still SCARED TO DEATH. Hello the "real world" here comes Ryan. I'm going to be hit with some struggles quick, fast, and in-a-hurry after graduation.

Primarily it will be my detachment from the relationships that have developed over these past years (that have been AMAZING), and that's where a lot of faith will be required. For somebody that tries to be "independent and set apart" I fear loneliness and lack of genuine relationships. Obviously, once I move, I'll have to pursue other people. I can't just sit back hoping great and amazing people will fall into my lap (I tried that in Wisconsin.... yeah those were some lonely months). Specifically, I will need to find a group of men that I can connect with. I need men to support me as a man. Without REAL men in my life, I hit the floor.

Then here comes another issue... am I going to be fed or will I feed others? What I mean by that is this: will I be constructive and positive to others around me or will I be somebody that drains life out of others (hence being "needy")? I'm kinda aiming for the positive approach. Oh Lord give me wisdom in that time of my life, and help me to live confidently with you.

Well, I guess since I can't sleep I'll do some reading. Oh by the way, if you're reading my blogs, thanks. I post these with the intention people will read them, and it means a lot to hear things from people that read stuff in my blog. That's a huge encouragement to me. Peace out.

DENIED

AHHH Blogger! I'm not happy with you! I just tried posting a long blog and it got deleted! I'll get YOU blogger!