Graduation Day

What can I say, sometimes the desires of the heart change. I have done more soul-searching and decision making in the past year, than I have collectively in the other twenty-nine of my life. One of these decisions has involved finally finishing High School. I dropped out when I was seventeen[partly because I was so far behind in credits that I didn't care anymore, and partly because I thought an amazing music career was right around the corner waiting to fall into my lap, along with gobs of money that would rain down magically while Sinatra's "My Way" played in the background....]and never really thought I would graduate. Actually in my foolish immaturity, I kind of prided myself on the fact that I would never play "by the rules" and "give in to the system". Boy was I cool.....and by "cool" I mean stupid. The truth is, I had a hard time paying attention when I was younger and instead of buckling down and putting in the hard work, I gave up and walked away. Well, the love of a good woman, along with age and encouragement, can do amazing things to a man. I've been fortunate enough to experience these things, and it helped me make up my mind that going back to get my diploma was something that needed to be done. In fact, it was something that I WANTED to do. And, I'm glad to say that I did. I really only had a couple of weeks to study, and was sweating it a little when it actually came time to test[especially the math part!]but I went in and did my best. Turns out, my best was more than good enough, and I passed with flying colors[honestly, I was a little surprised!]. I now have my GED, and will never have to refer to myself as a "dropout" ever again. I should've just done it back in 1996, and wish I'd had the perspective then that I do now, but I guess it's better late then never, right? Anyway, thank God for second chances, for new life, and for tomorrow. Today, is my Graduation Day.

It's not so much the heat, but the humility.

Spring is here. Everything is changing again, ready to bloom. The fruit and flowers have been biding their time, waiting for the perfect chance to arise and declare your happiness. The rains have been in agreement with the plan, and have done their part perfectly. Winter will be no more, nor drought, nor cold. The sun is ready to shine for you, to bestow it's magical powers unto your skin, leaving it's proof in shades of golden brown that please the sight of sunglassed eyes. Thank God the long stretch is over, and life will begin again. So it is on the inside for me, as well. Multitudes of deep down changes have occurred in such rapid succession, I could not pretend to know where to begin an explanation. Actually, that is untrue. It all began with, and returns to, one word - humility. This year, I learned the all important lesson of getting over yourself. I finally came to the conclusion that my life revolved one hundred and fifty percent around ME. What I wanted, what I desired, what I thought was important, what I held close to my heart, what I thought was the best plan, what I thought was the right way, what I thought others expected of me, what I thought I was entitled to, and how my identity was wrapped up in what I thought I was. I took one stone out of the wall I'd built up, and the whole dam broke wide open. Thank you, humility. This year throughout the long winter months, the old me slowly withered and died in a dry, dusty heap of what used to be. Goodbye, good riddance. I now have room to breath, to grow, and to bloom into the newness that awaits up ahead and unknown. You'd think that very fact would've invited anxiety, but has actually done the opposite and promoted internal peace. I am finished trying to force things into the mold I want them to fit into, but instead look heavenward for my guidance and plans. I am so extremely thankful for this emancipation, and more than a little excited for tomorrow's promises. It's gonna be a crazy, busy, and hot summer down here in Atlanta, GA but you know what? It's not so much the heat, it's the humility.