How quickly and easily we forget…
I remember the first time I found myself in trouble with the law. I was 14. Me and my two friends were caught drinking around midnight in the parking lot of my buddy’s apartment. Looking back, I’m not surprised someone called to report three 14 year olds drinking beer for 4 hours in the parking lot. We did not look older than 14, I promise. We received citations for drinking and curfew violation. We were ordered to do this teen court thing and I swore I would never get in trouble with the police again. I am now 36 years old and the number of times I’ve been put in handcuffs looks similar to my age. How quickly I forgot…
In the most difficult years of my life, I developed a habit of taking everything good in my life for granted. These days, I spend a lot of my time with people who are down on their luck. Many of them are lost and confused. It reminds me of where I’ve been and it reminds me of what can come of helping others. My life is the result of people helping me when I decided to accept help. I didn’t deserve any of this so I should thank my lucky stars every single day. I am reminded of this every time I help someone, so I try to do this as much as possible each day.
I take people for granted and I have days where I am completely ungrateful. I have found that I am a much better person when I intentionally remind myself that I have nothing to complain about. I have everything to be grateful for. Life is so beautiful. I actually have something to offer. I should be using that to help others.
Be intentional. Don’t forget.
Neal