Today was an accomplishment-I survived my first day of law school! As I sat in class this morning listening to the professor interrogate students using the socratic method by standing on a chair pretending to be a judge, I was moved. I have dreamt of this day for many years. Honestly, I had doubts that this day would ever come, but the Lord is gracious. It was more than I could have asked for. As I sat in class, I sort of felt like I was in a movie...it is all very surreal....I guess being back in the world of academia has spurred me to reap inspiration from those that have gone before-you know-famous poets, writers, judges, politicians, historians, and professors. I have watched movies such as "Mona Lisa Smile" and "A Beautiful Mind" and been inspired not only to succeed, but to inspire others. Even as I write, I am reminded of one of the most inspirational people in my life-my father. He has always instilled a sense of appreciation for academics. Even as young children, Dad would read poetry to us-nevermind it was as punishment. When Dad first introduced Robert Frost to me, it brought tears to my eyes....and they were not tears of joy or appreciation....
Prior to last week's orientation, I decided to do some venturing around town. As I traveled the trails with a friend, I was somehow coerced off "the beaten path" to take a view of the river. Through this "adventure," I realized that in my own life, I stay on the beaten path. I rarely (if ever) take the road less traveled to marvel at God's creation or explore a different avenue-I like to stay on the road paved before me. As I stated to my friend that I normally don't get off the beaten path, Matthew 7:13 was quoted to me. I contested, "That's not true!" But, as the journey progressed, the day continued, and the week of orientation began, this concept and verse resonated in my heart and mind. Maybe I do take the easy way out...maybe I do take the road that is paved before me instead of the road less traveled....maybe I do journey on the wide road that leads to the gate of destruction....just maybe...
Orientation began with a Dean's reception. During his inspirational greeing, he encouraged us to write down all of our dreams and ambitions on a piece of paper. Next he said the unthinkable: "Take your dreams and goals you have set out for your own life and throw them away. Dream bigger because God is capable of doing immeasurably more than we could dream or imagine on our own (Ephesians 3:20)." As he spoke, my mind immediately returned to the day I hiked. The Dean in his own way was charging the new 1L class to take the road less traveled. So, feeling on top of the world from the rush of meeting people, starting law school, and having just been told God was capable of doing IMMEASURABLY more than I could ask through me, I came home and began crafting BIG dreams! I guess you could say, I am turning a new leaf....
New leaf in a nutshell: Excellence is the minimum. To whom much is given, much is required. Pray and dream the unthinkable. Inspiration breeds action. Get off the beaten path. Live under the umbrella of God's sovereignty and control all the time.
All this time I thought Dad read poetry as a means of correction, but today, I gained a new appreciation for the art of reading poetry to children as a means of punishment. Poetry is inspirational and leads to a creative mind-it sparks intellect. So, dad read poetry to spur our eager imaginations at a young age, but also to ignite a passion for knowledge that would be the driving force to fulfill our dreams and goals as we grew older. Today was a hallmark occassion in my life beginning the journey of doing just that....So, as I sat in class, I was moved-moved that I have begun the major stepping stone to accomplishing my dreams, goals, and calling on my life. Ultimately, I am blessed beyond measure. It is only by God's grace that I am here, and it is only by His mercy and strength that I will survive this year...
The Road Not Taken
TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
Until next time, be blessed....
2 comments:
Love, love, love Robert Frost. Thanks for being so inspiring on a Monday morning...especially when I've been feeling so overwhelmed and just in a rut lately!
Amy, I love reading your updates. Praying for you!
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