Another day down only 87 more to go. Today I didn't even try getting up early for day 3 of P90X. Instead I waited until this afternoon to do it. I have loved having a set workout routine to look forward to every day. I hope that once work, school, and rehearsals really pick up I will be able to make time for this because I love how I feel after a good hard workout. Today I sang with a couple of other YA's at a School of Music faculty meeting where they honored Ron Simpson, the (now) former YA show band director. Our performance came as a surprise to him. We sang a beautiful jazz-like arrangement of "Love at Home". After our small group of YA's were done singing the entire recital hall rose to their feet clapping in honor of Ron and his legacy. The spirit that the song brought into the room was very strong and undeniable. This experience got me thinking a lot about my legacy. Sometimes I get so busy that I don't stop to realize that every day is another page in MY book of life. Today was one of those days where I stopped to ask myself "if someone were to read my book of life right now would they be inspired by what they read, or would it be a perfect example to them of what not to do?". I have never once professed to be perfect or anywhere near it, but I have made the decision to try to one day become so. Being perfect is certainly a process not an event. It requires patience, diligence, and sometimes learning from one mistake after another. The little things truly make the difference. I am grateful for this week to ponder and reevaluate where I am going and what I want to accomplish. I know that a big part of where I end up in the next year will be determined by the choices I make day to day, not just how I respond in the few big moments along the way. I must stay true to myself, and remain focused on my objective. I must be honest and straight forward with others, and maintain my integrity. I will not allow the actions of others or external things beyond my control dictate how I feel, act or live. I finally am starting to feel like I truly know who I am to become and be. I won't allow trials, adversity or myself stand in the way of that. I'm not sure why I felt the need to say all those things, but it sure felt good. If you are still reading this I want to share with you one of the most profound and powerful declarations I have ever read in my life. I first heard this 3 years ago at my first ever Young Ambassadors retreat, and I have had it printed out where I could read it often ever since. I like to think that this to some degree is representative of where I am/where I am headed. I hope that it inspires and motivates you as it does me...
In 1980 a young man from Rwanda was forced by his tribe to either renounce Christ or face certain death. He refused to renounce Christ, and he was killed on the spot. The night before he had written the following commitment which was found in his room:
“I’m part of the fellowship of the unashamed, the die has been cast, I have stepped over the line, the decision has been made- I’m a disciple of Jesus Christ. I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away or be still.
My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I’m finished and done with low living, sight walking, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed vision, worldly talking, cheap giving & dwarfed goals.
My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few, my guide is reliable, my mission is clear. I won’t give up, shut up, let up until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up for the cause of Jesus Christ.
I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till everyone knows, work till He stops me & when He comes for His own, He will have no trouble recognizing me because my banner will have been clear.”
