I was reflecting on the year that we just left and it was quite the year, end to end. As my mind wandered I started thinking about the various great moments I found myself in at different points in the year and thought I would try and narrow them down to a Fine 9.
I’ll do my best to describe how these moments were special to me. The list is in no particular order, they differ in significance. So it’s simply a collection of 9 wonderful moments.
9. Weddings
In 2010 I had the blessing to be a part of 3 wedding parties. I brought in 2010 with my buddy Nate, concluded the summer in Tim’s and had my first DJ gig at Chris’s. Since I started being involved in friend’s wedding in college I always feel humbled & honored to be invited to be involved. It’s a pretty awesome moment to see 2 guys like Nate & Tim who have been pals since they were in 8th grade and I 11th take that step of commitment with the woman they love. It’s a testament of friendship over the years. And Chris tells of how friendship & bond can grow quickly & naturally. What a gift it was to help create a fun & joyful reception for all attenders. It’s a thrill to have a front row seat to his life on the day to day.
8. Nike Air Band
When I started at Malone I learned quickly of this grand on-campus program in March that was an incredibly big deal. And I happened to be the RD in charge. I was excited and nervous, since I wanted it to be as great as could be. It was incredibly rewarding to sit with my Mom and watch the final product. From the various acts, videos and hosts. What a great night it was. Not to mention my RA’s routine actually won the contest. Extra bonus.
7. Point Lobos Nature Reserve
Going on a road trip was a series of Fine moments. However, the afternoon I spent at this reserve, just south of Monterey, CA was a point of relief. As I sat on a rock, looking out over the Pacific Ocean, it was a breath of accomplishment. “I made it to the Pacific.” I could drive no further west. The trip wasn’t even half over, but it had deep meaning as I overlooked the ocean and soaked in the sunshine. It was a great moment of revelation for me. Read more about that here.
6. DeVol Lobby Show
When I learned that I was going to be switching buildings for the 2010-2011 school year I began to brainstorm about some cool stuff that could happen to establish a new identity in the dorm. I bounced the idea around about creating some sort of stripped down live music venue in the main lobby of the building. The idea was well received and I was able to present the first DeVol Lobby Show on September 10, 2010. Not only does it create an opportunity for Malone community members to play some music, but also for attenders to enjoy & be inspired by the artistic creativity of others. I’m not exaggerating when I say I stand in the back, with a grin on my face, delighting that I get to do fun stuff like this as part of my job. Here’s an example of the first ever performer. John King.
5. Be:Justice 5K
I decided within the last year that I wanted to run a 5K at some point in my life. But since I said it out loud, I felt I needed to really follow through. So, I did it. It wasn’t fun. Until it was over, but I was victorious to overcome the ways my mind tried to trick me into not doing it. I didn’t run a great time, that wasn’t the point. The point was to do something I had never done before and believe that I can, indeed, run for that long. Maybe I’ll do it again… sometime.
4. July 4th, 2010
I originally planned my road trip around the chance to go out to Los Angeles and spend time with one of my best friends, since pre-school. We spent that 4th of July on the roof of his apartment in Hollywood. From there we watched half a dozen firework shows that were going on all around the sprawl of Los Angeles. It was a special moment to finally be with my friend, after 3 years. And it was only the beginning of a profound couple weeks. More about that here.
3. First Open Mic
I bought a cheap $100 start-up kit guitar a couple years ago. At the time I was uncertain about whether I would stick with it. Long story short… I have. At the beginning of 2010 I found some special inspiration to practice more routinely. I decided I wanted to be able to write some songs and express myself, in a way I never had before. I started scratching some words to paper in May, and that was a good feeling. However, I was out in Indiana one weekend in November for a friends wedding and another friend spontaneously asked me if I wanted to play some of my songs at a restaurant bar, where she & her husband were playing some music. I was incredibly unprepared. I hadn’t any of my songs and couldn’t hardly remember the words. But, I got through it. What a step of accomplishment that was.
2. Meeting Cole William Edwards
I love being an uncle. A few days after Christmas I got to meet my 4th nephew. It’s a special moment to see the joy on his father’s (my brother’s) face. Holding a person when they are 2 days old is a pretty special experience. I hope he remembers it. And if you stare deeply into his eyes… he’ll see to your soul.
1. 6,900 Miles to my Mom’s Driveway
Probably the longest route to my Mom’s I’ll ever do. That moment I pulled into my Mom’s driveway in July, I concluded my 6,900 mile road trip that took me out to Los Angeles and back. Over those 5 weeks I experienced a variety of moments that I will forever remember. I felt & saw God move in new and special ways. I tasted some culture that was unfamiliar. I experienced a depth & meaning in relationships with others that refreshed my soul. And saw some beautiful landscapes. I took that moment to let it sink in that I drove around the country, by myself for 5 weeks, it made me feel pretty good about myself if I’m honest. It was sobering and empowering to really see something through that I set my mind to. I’d recommend it.
