humbled

It is strange, one day you maybe going on your business and realize; wow things seem a little brighter now, clearer. The other day I had a revelation, and boy did it hit me smack in the forehead. I noticed something that wasn't so clear before, open up and capture my attention. It slammed me back and with a gulp I realized that at that moment I was not at the head of the line. Sometimes the smallest or largest things can be humbling.

The Masters, the premier pro golf tournament of the world was played this past weekend. Chris DiMarco a tour player held the lead for three rounds. This man had a great lead and was on the verge of his very first major win. Lurking behind him slowly was Tiger Woods. In the end every individual stroke, whether a four inch putt or a three hundred yard drive was of significance. Tiger Woods inched his way to the top and in the end the two players tied with two hundred seventy-six strokes. Chris DiMarco lost in a playoff and tournament by one stroke. How do you think such an event would affect someone?

Metaphorically or not, there will always be someone that falls short. I think that a lot of times pride and selfishness whether very tiny or absurdly raunch, may blind us from our direction. Sometimes we tell ourselves that we just do not care and continue to do wrong as if we carry more weight than the one that blesses us. Other times, we get in such a routine that we feel we can do no wrong and that we have conquered an obstacle, elevating are selfworth maybe to a slight state of pride-fullness. Regardless, sometimes we feel we are on the right track when in fact we have found a banana peel. Some may even say that they are living the "high life."

I think when one finds themselves in a situation similar to this, they are destined to find their way into a humbling experience. I believe it is important to be broken to grow. For myself even lately, I have realized that I at times have let pride get in my way. Being humbled can clearly yank the blinders away and say, "wake the heck up!" We all at times find ourselves getting lost in our day, or lost in our week, waiting for the next break. Waiting for the meeting of friends or a time to relax. But do we lose track of where each minute has come from?

Today the air seems a little fresher, the sky a little brighter, the grass a little greener. As a person of competitive nature, I have to learn that coming in first doesn't mean you always win.
I hope I take this humbling experience and grow far more closer to one that created this greatness called, "life."

Twenty Seven

Last Tuesday I turned Twenty Seven. Even though the week has been more than busy, it didn't interfere with me having a nice chill birthday. I ended up working in Washington DC for most of the day. Relay, Foxy Paul and myself went to "Bone Fish" for an amazing meal. It was very relaxed and nice. Lately, I think because of work, too many people is too much. I recommend the Mahi Mahi! You will pay a little more going there but it could serve as a nice date location, very classy. Afterwards, we headed over to "Outback Steakhouse" for a drink and chatted. Fun conversations for sure.

So I was asked, "So how does it feel, being 27"? Honestly, it's another day. I mean, I do think I'm starting to get older, but it's not mid-life crisis time yet. :-) No need for the sports car yet! I tend to feel younger at work and older around my friends. So it's a good mix. But again, I see it as another number.

During the long week I have had three tremendous meals. Mostly all of them paid for, so even better! During one of the meals on Wednesday, I ate at the "Capital Grille" in Washington DC. This place had to be one of the most classiest places that I have step foot in. The food was ridiculous. The appetizers alone were seventy-five dollars a piece and the average plate was fifty dollars. I had an amazing fourteen ounce filet mignon and tons of other food accessories. As soon as you put down a fork or knife a new replacement was there without any notice of the servers. It was almost ninja-esk.

So today, tomorrow, and days ahead I will tell those who ask this new age. Hopefully, those conversations lead to some meaningful and relational building opportunities.

Father, I thank You for such a blessed year and rejoice over what You have provided. You offer so much, when we have little. I thank You for another year, and am excited to see what You have in store for me in the next. You are my Lord, my Father, and my Life. With that I pray in Your holy name, Jesus Christ. -Amen

Miss USA 2005

Normally, I wouldn't blog something like this, but thought it was a very cool experience and had to share. Last Wednesday my company threw a huge technology trade show. The show was held at the Sheraton in Columbia. That morning I ended up getting there early to the surprise of a sign awaiting me. The big sign read, "Miss USA 2005." Without the help of coffee, I was then wide awake. The pageant contestants were touring the area for exposure and hitting some charity organizations. My job in the morning was to direct traffic to the seminars. I ventured to the room in which the seminars were held, and was pleasantly surprised to see all the Miss USA contestants eating breakfast right next door. You should have seen all the customers. Technology was the last thing they were interested in. The women were soon off to there travels for the day. After the long day and night of entertaining customers a few of us woke up to the surprise of having the ladies on the same floor as us. Again, no coffee needed! If I was to vote I would have to give my vote to Miss Kentucky!