Funny. I just had another anonymous commentor kindly tell me that my journals were sophomoric and narcissistic. Thus, two things I shall explain. First... I'll have you know that as of a month ago, I'm Junior at this fine university! ... Second (and less sarcastically) I admit to having shades of narcissism in my journal...
Narcissism: The attribute of the human psyche charactized by admiration of oneself but within normal limits. (as defined by www.dictionary.com)
It is a common misconception, especially among Christians, to believe that humility means a dislike of one's self. I do not dislike myself at all, however... atleast, not as of late. Had you picked up my journal last year, you would be able to see that I, like most people, have ups and downs as far as self admiration is concerned. But the whole "love yourself" concept makes Jesus's words on the mount "Love your neighbor as yourself." seem more understandable. Many people give the word "as" very little credit in that sentence. But if it were any other word, it would change the entire meaning. Basically, you must love yourself to an extent in order to love others because how can you love others if you can't even love yourself. So do I talk about my physical, emotional, and spiritual improvements? Yes, becaues my documentation of these things serves several purposes. Do I claim to be better than any man. No (and if I have I am not proud of it). I do not compare myself to other men because I am not those men. I am I. I am a compilation of every sensation I have experienced up to this very point. Many of these sensations I write down so that I can look back and see what I'm made of, so-to-speak. So if your judgements are collected from the past month or so of my writings, I would encourage you to look at such entries as "Despicable Me" and "Me and My BIG MOUTH". These journals are focused on how I don't really like myself that much sometimes.
Anyways, on to the main topics of the day. Overall, a good, yet short, weekend (as if there were good LONG weekends). I didn't get done all that I had hoped, but no worries, I think I've got a pretty good grip on the craziness for now. I'm starting to have more fun with the guys from the hall, educating them in the rich tradition of this building. Last night I was up later that I probably should have been, watching all of our home videos with the new guys. They loved it, but there is still some tension between them that I am looking to diffuse. All in good time I suspect. They pulled a light prank on me tonight, which is good. They put toilet paper all over my door which I left there for decoration. See, you have to understand that when a guy pranks you, it's only because they like you. It's just a weird way for them to non-sexually say "We were thinking about you." So I enjoy a good prank on my expense every once-in-a-while. It's a sign of me not doing a crappy job.
I'm also going into a new business. I was giving a girl a back massage today and she told me that I should sell them. So I was thinkin... why not just try it out. The people I give them to say that I'm pretty good, so maybe I could make some money at it. I'm charging next to nothing though, since I'm not licensed n stuff. We'll see if I get any positive feedback or not.
Other than that, I'm really not heavily worried about this year. God has pulled through with some amazing answers to prayer lately. I'm learning even more new things about self maintenance that I will need when I graduate, money, though sparse, is coming falling from heaven as needed, and all of the other issues that I've been concerned about have been coming to my door step and surrendering. Now I know that things can get good right before a storm, but I feel somewhat ready for rainy weather. Because hey, "If the rain never fell on the field of life, it would be a barren desert." - Plant Ops guy who's name I can't remember.
Oh, and mom, I found that crocodile necklace you got for me. It has been hanging on my picture cork board all this time. Thanks a bunch. I'm wearing it as I speak. As for the rest of you... stay out of trouble, have a positive Monday, and when things appear as if they can't get any worse... I recomend you break down and dance. It's weird, I know, but it's fun. Peace and love
p.s. i really hope that the annonymous commentor who admired my before and after shots is a woman... cuz that'd be kinda weird if not... ... ... oh well, good night!
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I never really considered that aspect of the verse until I heard Josh McDowell speak on it a little over a year ago. It's now something I think about a great deal- important to remember. I've tried to explain the whole "love your neighbor as yourself" thing to people since then, but unfortuantely in our culture, any kind of self-praise is considered cocky and too self-absorbed. So consequently, that is precisely how I came off.
ReplyDeleteHaha thats so funny that your guys toilet papered your door. The basement of Heron Hall got toilet papered on Friday night. Actually I was totally convinced you guys had done it til I found out some of the ladies in Heron got bored.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I would freaking pay for a back massage from you because you are basically amazing at it.
Please note that I used conditional modifiers for both the words in question.
ReplyDeleteI did not use the word somphmoric in the sense of your chronology. Also there are multiple meanings for Narcissism - I find Websters useful. It can mean egoism or self-absorption, niether of which relate to a healthy self love and appreciation (I agree with you in that matter). Perhaps I should have used solipsistic.
As for other matters of concern - don't get too weird about it. I promise to admire only from afar. And, as I said, your music is the only thing that really attracts.