Set Out To Sea

 Well I hope everyone had a relaxing Christmas break and enjoyed the time off. I actually took a month off from writing my blog, but with these cold days and evenings, I have found time to get back into it. As you may remember, I have been writing from the book "Callings" by Gregg Levoy. In November, I wrote about how life changes and that it is important not to shelter ourselves from change. Well this month I want to use another quote from the book that is similar but maybe more pointed to our seniors. 

The quote is from Brazilian Archbishop Helder Camara and it states: "When your ship, long moored in harbor, gives you the illusion of being a house...put out to sea! Save your boat's journeying soul, and your own pilgrim soul, cost what it may." 

As we round the corner of our seniors final months of high school, I have had the opportunity to speak with several students about their future plans. I know many have great jobs in this area and they will be starting out on their careers and helping our communities. I also have spoken to many who will be going on to college and pursuing further education. I applaud these students. However, I have spoken to several students over the years that have wanted to venture out and move away from home. They felt like they wanted to move away for a job in another state or go to college farther from home but they have been nervous about it. Eventually their nerves got the best of them and they stuck around home.

I believe the quote I am using today refers to that type of student or person. Many times we can feel so secure in our current position that we are afraid to change, to set out to sea. The seniors have been in a routine for 13 years, waking up, going to school, coming home after school, doing homework and then starting all over again the next day. It's a routine that one can get very comfortable with and then find it hard to break away from. We almost develop a false sense of security in our routine. Just as the ship feels secure in the harbor, that is not what it was designed to do. It was designed to set out and explore the seas, to find new adventures and excitement. I also believe that is what we are made to do. We need to keep growing, find excitement, challenge ourselves and see what is around the next corner. Not with fear, but with excitement. 

I know setting out like this can be scary and it takes courage. We leave our friends, family, familiar routines and comfort. A lot like when you chose to come to Vantage. Now look at all the friends you have met and the fun you have had. Look at the growth you have experienced since you came here. This is what could be waiting for you on your next endeavor. If you are even thinking about moving or going away to college, make sure that it is the right move for you. Look at the financial aspect, the challenges, etc., and then make the choice. However, don't change your mind because you are afraid of change or that you are comfortable around your hometown. Know that there will be challenges but also a lot of opportunities that await you. You will grow in so many ways and meet people from all types of life. It will give you a great perspective on how other people live and think. It will make you a better person.

In closing, I had the opportunity to speak with a student yesterday who is heading off to Ohio University in Athens. We talked about the unknowns, the new roommates, the hard classes. We also discussed the people she will meet. The friends she will make, the fun she will have. The excitement of Cork St. and sledding down the "big hill" in Athens. I am so excited for her and so proud that she has decided to untie from the dock, leave the harbor, and set out to watch her spirit grow and do what she was made for. I hope others will take that challenge and follow your calling.