On a road traveling to the unknown so many things are racing through my mind. How will my mother cope without me being around? Can my sister stay up on her assignments as a college freshman? Will my autistic brother be able to take care of himself every morning? All these things are plaguing me as I am driving in my burgundy Buick LeSabre. My time to withdraw is getting closer.
My destination is a city called Refuge in the great state of Missouri. Since I was twenty-one, I have wanted to go to visit the city of Refuge. Refuge is a complex place. It can make you laugh, and it can make you cry. It can make you reflect, and it can make you stay focused. It can be breathtaking, and it can be tormenting. It has the romance of Paris and the exoticness of Tokyo. The city of Refuge became the number one spot on my bucket list to go in the entire world.
Before I gave my life to Christ, I was a lot of things to a lot of people (both good and bad). The young man that is writing to you has fought through many battles and has rose above countless obstacles. My personal achievements and accolades were fiction worthy, but I was still empty. No matter how much books I read to fill my belly I still lacked the bread of life that God's Word provides. No matter how much classroom sessions I would participate in to quench my thirst my intellectual prowess couldn't take the place of the living water that comes from Christ. On the outside I had everything figured out, but on the inside, I had become a monster. It would be during July of 2021 where I would finally surrender to Christ and get baptized. My life hasn't been the same since and I wouldn't have it any other way.
For me home is a common place. Like many who came before me I "must leave my father's house" in order to grow and flourish into who I need to be. Spreading my wings would consort with my eagle-like vision. Building muscle so I can be as bold as a lion will give me the strength to overcome any challenge that lies ahead. Leaving what is familiar is a necessary step for me to get closer to God and to confront my demons. A prayer shawl, a Bible, and a week's worth of clothes are the only things in my possession. Other than that, I am at peace.
Refuge has 12 districts. The house that I rented is in district 12. Number 12 is the cabin that will be my temporary place of residence. I know I just said cabin. This is not just your ordinary cabin, but a modernized cabin. It may be wood on the outside, but on the inside there is a flatscreen TV, a power shower, an automatic toilet, a kitchen, a waterbed, and a state-of-the-art fireplace. Thinking about this cabin gives me a sense of optimism.
I must admit that although I may not look back, I will reminisce. I will always cherish my neighbor Mercedes who gives me a look of admiration every time we cross paths. I will always cherish her daughter Kayla who joyfully yells out the window and randomly says hi to everyone she meets. I will always cherish her boyfriend Rob (even if he isn't a person that I would hold a conversation with). I will always cherish the impact that I left on those who I have encountered. I might as well bask in all the honor, nobility, and servitude before moving on to the next stage of my life.
No comments:
Post a Comment