Catalytic Relationships

Oh my goodness! I haven't blogged in such a long time that I forgot that I had my own blogsite! It's been almost two years since I wrote a real entry (I've decided the June 19, 2008 post doesn't count...I mean c'mon, a post has got to be at least 25 words to be considered an entry; sorry Charlie. 22 words just doesn't cut it I'm afraid. :/ =)

Well, maybe I'll get back into the habit of posting now; and this post will be the catalyst. Lately, I (re)-read the book "Tuesdays With Morrie" for the developmental psych class I'm currently taking. The memoir, about a dying professor passing on life lessons to his former student, inspired me some and made me think. Well, let me back up. My thoughts along themes of truly living and dying well have been spurred by the three-fold combo of reading "Tuesdays With Morrie," viewing "Garden State," and taking a dev psych class this term.

I really identified with Braff's character on Garden State: numb but moving into adulthood. I talked to a good friend, Min TenX, and to my surprise he had watched the movie recently and it had affected him similarly. Both of us were inspired to feel more deeply and live with both eyes open and a greater engagement in our community; even if that means risking more pain, heartache or negative emotions. Along the lines of "Tis better to have loved and lost than not to have loved at all", it's also better to have lived fully and suffered more than to have lived safely but half-heartedly.

"Tuesdays With Morrie" reminded me that the most important thing in life is relationships; the more we invest in others, the more we ultimately live meaningful, full lives. By throwing ourselves whole-heartedly into our relationships.We learn to self-sacrifice and fulfill our ultimate purpose: loving and enjoying God and other people with all of our being. In doing so we lose our lives only to find our lives redeemed.