I wrote this a week and a half ago, gave it an evaluation period and am posting it up now. (c:
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I can't sleep. Here's something that went through my mind as I lie awake. Valentines Day is coming up and seeing as I don't have a Valentine, what exactly does this "special" day mean to me? I see it as a day to recognize significant women in my life. Here it goes:
My Mom. Wow. How to start even summarizing the role my mom has had in my life? No way to start really, so I'll just ramble. She's the first to know me. She's seen me grow from nothing to whatever I am today. I firmly believe she's my biggest encourager in life and has never stopped affirming me towards growing into a godly person, and not just any godly person... a "Luke" godly person. Also from my mom, I not only got genes, but also some interesting eccentricities. For example: natural health. I firmly believe in there being more to well-being than what the medical world says, and this is reflected in my attitude towards food, exercise, and life in general. (c: My mom is the biggest contributing factor to this. I love my mom. I think I'm not conventional largely because of her. (who'd want to be conventional, anyway?!)
My sisters Joy and Ariana. They're very different, but are both significant women in my life. My sister Joy is an artist/dreamer. Ariana is an achiever/explorer. I hope they don't mind me summarizing them so tersely. I remember Ariana complimenting me when I was very young and that left an indelible impact on me since. She said I could sing well and I took it to heart. Through both of them, I learned things about my younger self that I never knew, for example, I never knew what a terrible child I was before I came to know my savior. It was only in the past year that Joy mentioned it to me and I was SO surprised that I had such a testimony. Ariana sent me valentines while she was in highschool. (c: They've both been overfull of advice to me and obviously care about me a lot. (and I like them too)
My grandma is amazing. She's like a second Mom to me. I learn a lot from her just by hearing the words she uses. Most recently she off-handedly said, "Well, confession is good for the heart." Wow! That one has been rattling around in my head lately, both in reflection toward my own state, as well as for others. Confession IS good for the heart. Your heart will do better, be more sound, be able to love more, be less hardened or cynical... if you practice confession. This is a small example of Grandma's wisdom. I could go on and on.. but I won't. (c:
My sister-in-law Heather has also been a prominent woman in my life. She'll be surprised to be on this list. I've learned a lot from her and have been challenged by her intensity. She seeks after the Spirit and is full of compassion toward this broken world. I remember a long conversation with her this past Christmas time ranging across various topics that had potential for being very uncomfortable, but it was out of a passion for truth that we talked about them and I had _plenty_ on my mind to think about afterwards. I appreciate her a lot!
Some close friends who're girls who I hope don't mind me mentioning them here:
Cynthe! Cynthe has been a very good friend to me since early in highschool (freshman year, I think). We've adopted the sort of relationship which is very like siblings and I'm so glad to have her as a friend over all these years. Even this morning we'll meet up to have coffee before she goes to work so we can catch-up on the past happenings of the week and in each-other's lives in general. She's an excellent friend and I appreciate her so much. She withstands a lot of irritation from me and is a great opponent to play "devil's advocate" against. (c:
Another great friend is Maria. We went through highschool together and have maintained contact through all sorts of relational weather. She's had a significant impact on my life and how I care about people. The way she loves the kids she teaches and is passionate about that is very inspiring. Maria is also one of the few girls I've had cry with me and having that be alright. She's a great friend and I'm super excited that her and David have found each other and are getting married later this year! (woohoo!)
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5 comments:
Very sweet post Luke. It's good to evaluate those important people every once in a while and give thanks for them. It made me think about who I have in my life and what they mean to me.
Luke, "bro", =) there is nothing like a guy affirming the women in his life! Thanks for including me on your list! I'm not sure I agree with the whole putting up with your irritations, but...the devil's advocate, well, I suppose we have had some of those conversations... =) Thanks,friend! I'm grateful for our friendship too.
Awww, thanks Luke! I hope that you really do see the overabundance of opinions and advice as genuine interest and care-- I do really try not to be too overbearing, but it's tough! It's nice to read your tributes to all the other ladies as well.
Ah, garsh, thanks Luke! You made my week! It is very gratify (and a great blessing) to have a son like you. I really appreciate your appreciating the women in your life!
It was so meaningful to read your tribute, not because I was included but because you never know whose life you have impacted until someone says something. I know that there are many people who have passed through my life and left a mark. We can only hope that we are doing the same. I do love you and hope that it shines through all the sisterliness. I am proud of who you are and are becoming. I hope for more time in the near future to get to know each other better. We loved having you here for Christmas!
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