senior focus

At senior family group yesterday, Joe asked, "What would you say at senior family group?" I didn't have an answer at the time, but I thought about this question more, especially when I woke up this morning (/afternoon....dangit).

I'm afraid I get awfully preachy too many times (see every other post I write), but I don't think senior focus is the place to preach. I think it's a time for thank you's and shared experiences (although this could become preachy...whatever).

So thank you to those who I've butt heads with, which is probably most of you, because few of us are very similar to each other. Honestly, I used to hate this about AAIV -- the "no one gets me" argument. But the longer I've been here, I've learned that the harder I've butt heads with someone, the more I've learned.

Because the harder I've butt heads with someone, the later that night I peel my brains out thinking, why does this person think this way? Why did he say that or why did she do this? How has this persons upbringing been different from mine? How is their culture different from mine?

The more I've been hurt, the more I've been insulted, or the more I've pained someone else, the more I've learned. The greatest lessons I've had in college come from people who I've wanted to punch in the face.

(preachy part...I cant help myself)

So, go and be yourself. Offend people and be offended. Christianity doesn't call us to be politically correct, but to love each other. So butt heads, LEARN, and love and forgive.

Now -- this doesn't mean I've changed my opinion and agree with you now, but it does mean I've grown, and I've grown much (and I hope you have too, rather than holding tightly to your own experiences and not listening to others). And for that, I'm eternally grateful, because I'm not the same person I was when I entered college than who I am now. And I consider that a 4 years well spent.

But for those of you who I haven't butt heads too much with, and we agree on many things -- thank you for keeping me sane these four years.