opportunities

my roommate, andy, recently commented to his girlfriend that he doesn't take particular note when i say that today is a "big day". it's not that today isn't a big day, but rather that i say it almost every day and the statement has become second-nature.

is today a big day? absolutely. was yesterday a big day? definitely. will tomorrow be a big day? almost certainly. i make this remark daily because every day is a big day. any day that is not a big day is also not really a day worth living. whether that big day is a road trip to a new place, a marriage proposal, or simply a day of rest, these are all important and memorable things. i don't want to wake up and not think that today is a big day.

not much has changed since january 2010. i have a different job (not waiting tables, thank goodness), a new residence closer to school and work, and i'm getting ready to finish school this semester. sure, some other subtle differences are there i'm sure, but overall i am who i was then.

one thing that certainly hasn't changed is my desire to seize opportunities. when asked about resolutions year after year i generally have the same response: i want to take advantage of every opportunity more than i did last year. i've always been one to have a mindset every day that i will do whatever will make me happy today. this has led to a lot of satisfaction over the years, which i intend to continue. but this year needs to be bigger than last.

i want to take a trip this year, for sure. when i (hopefully) lock-up a job i want to take my transitory time to make a trip, maybe follow the avett brothers if they're on tour, or get back out to see the pacific coast. i recorded 3 songs and i want to do it again this year. i want to try something for the first time that i've wanted to do, like skiing or snowboarding (anyone want to teach me?).

but let's not forget about the days in between. every day is a big day. in 2010 we lost a great friend in caleb altmire. his passing reminds me that no days are guaranteed. no sense in planning so much today that we forget to enjoy the day in front of us.

one real and very important resolution is that i need to incorporate the Word of God in my life far more in 2011. rather than say this in my words, allow me to quote Jesus from the Book of Matthew as parting words today:

So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life--whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes. Doesn't life consist of more than food and clothing? Look at the birds. They don't need plant or harvest or put food in barns because your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than they are. Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not.

Matthew 6:25-27