Dominoes

This weekend I realised how much one's past effects one's present and future. Three defining parties walked into my life at some point or another in my past and have made me who I am today.

On Saturday I dropped off my Christmas gift to my brother Daryl, who subsequently stayed with me for the rest of the day. We joked, we laughed, we fought and we discussed fathers (not Daddys... there is a difference). His not so spectacular father, and my lackluster donor as well. Because of Daryl I work in a school with children; because of Daryl I know how to love a younger sibling; because of Daryl I know what it means to sacrifice with no intent of self return.

Sunday was a celebration of sorts. It wasn't the culmination of a season full of football, but rather the elevation of an old ___________... I watched as Ebony, someone who played such a huge role in my relationship with God, drew closer to God by entering into ministry. Funny how someone can have such an impact on your life yet not know. The foundation of my entire salvation was once based on this woman; who would've guessed?

Finally, I saw some old VP members, "The Haitian Mass." These girls are wonderful in every way. Through all the many ups and plentiful downs. They taught me patience; dependence through independence; and how to have fun even when you're down. I pushed them away because I feared that they were becoming too large in my life. Funny how you miss what you've given up.

So, food for thought: Without your past, there is no present, but how great of an impact did EACH element of your past have? MLK afforded me the opportunity to walk the halls of The Hotchkiss School; Lincoln paved Martin's road to Washington; in some small African village someone prayed to God that their generations would be blessed. Who do you effect?