So one of my favorite shirts gave up the ghost today. Somehow it created a hole or rip in the elbow. I guess that's to be expected even of favorite shirts.

Then I realized I bought the shirt before I went to SMBI. Eight. Years. Ago. Yeah. I guess it was just it's time to go. {sniff}

One of my classes this semester is quickly becoming one of the best I've experienced. Yeah, the subject matter is challenging, stimulating, and timely. But what moves this class towards the top of a fairly short list is that the instructor does not just challenge us technically, but personally and professionally as well. That is almost more worthwhile than any amount of technical material.

This evening in the course of the class, he mentioned how he often sees people who have been in the same position for years and consider themselves experts on the systems they administer. But actually, they have become lazy and aren't as good as they think. The takeaway? Stay sharp, push the envelope, and work hard to set and meet goals. Not anything new, really. But the thing is, it was a swift kick in the seat to me. While I'm pretty constantly challenged in my job (and competent), I realize that I've tired of the day to day grind of work and college on top of that. In spite of that, now is the time to bear down, stay sharp, and work hard. Even though I'd rather coast for a while.

Yep - taking breaks are good, but at the right time. For me, right now is the time to apply myself and keep chipping away at my dreams and goals. And maybe even dream some new dreams.

So, yes, college and work are still a large part of my life. More than I wish some(most) days. But I enjoy both and college will have an end.

This year is bringing more involvement in church life. That is exciting and intimidating at the same time. It takes time, energy, and creativity. Some days there is a deficit of all three.

There is much conflict and discussion in the social world today over politics, policy, and public affairs. I enjoy the discussion and mental stimulation, but I've also begun to realize that there is a part of me that simply wants to live a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty. Not because I want to be a hermit, but because I find I have a hard enough time keeping myself in line that I'm not sure I need to exert my perspective on others.

And those are the thoughts from Haven Lake Avenue, where the inhabitants are working hard, the night gets late too quickly, and the mornings come too soon.

So it's almost midnight and I'm too wired to sleep. Hence I'm updating Xanga for a change.

One of the things I like about life is that there is always something to learn and an area for personal growth. A number of posts in the past several months have stimulated my thinking (Lem, Kent, and others) and I think in turn my own personal development. At least I like to think so.

Most recently, an article in Guideposts grabbed my attention. It was written by Mike Singletary and somehow hit a chord. You can read it here. (For those non-football fans who may be reading, Mike Singletary was a great linebacker for the Bears in the 80's and is now coaching the 49'ers.)

Anyway, the article centers around Singletary and his priorities in life; particularly during his college and pro years. Singletary makes the point that he was a complete success on the field, but off of it, his marriage was taking a hit. He tells the story of how he realized this and changed his priorities to be what they should be. A change in focus.

OK - big deal right? I'm not married, no children, etc. So why did this article stick out to me? I'll try to step you through the connection... Marriage is a huge commitment and responsibility and God calls it a good thing. In addition to not living up to his committments (what we always think of in this kind of story), Singletary was missing out on the full benefits of something really good (healthy marriage relationship) and instead threw himself into an entity (football) that would ultimately fade away. Now people let us down, I know, but the point is that we should never sacrifice the best for something good.

Values, priorities. It all comes down to what's important. And the question I ask myself is if the priorities I've chosen are the right ones. I mean, is a high GPA really all that? Doing a super-duper job at work? And where/what else?

Don't worry, I plan on continuing to do my best at what I enjoy (I actually enjoy work), and still am going to finish college. Both of those are good. But not at the sacrifice of something better.