Morning Inspiration .

Since I've been waking up at 5am most mornings nowadays, I've taken a little bit of extra time to really just ease my way into the day a bit. This usually includes checking email, the weather, and catching up on all the wonderful blogs that you guys write. It's a nice way to start the day for sure, and I savor that time before I head into work.

This morning, as I began to peruse my email, I found something that hit me, from one of my daily Bible verse services. I tweeted it and it even ended up getting some favorites. Anyways, the verse for the day was Proverbs 19:21 - Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.

I feel like there is constant battle between those who believe that their fates are designed entirely for them, and those that believe that they have the freedom of their own choice for the entire life. Being the religious guy I am, I think that there is a plan for me that is much bigger than those plans or goals that I set for myself.

Faith is not so much about blindly following, I don't think. I think rather it is a choice -- to believe that you are being watched over and watched out for, to trust that no matter what happens that in the end you will be in the best place possible for you, to trust that you will never be entrusted with some challenge that you cannot overcome. No doubt, there are stops along the way that will royally suck. No doubt there will be things that you're not sure how you will get through (been there, done that). But in the end, I think that I'll be able to look back on life with a smile, knowing that I was so blessed and led to the right things in life.

I believe that God doesn't force you down paths. I think that He guides you. He puts opportunity in front of you -- but it's up to you to take the initiative to seize those opportunities. It's not always obvious, but that's part of the reason for prayer. Prayer and regular mass attendance is not about obligation, but rather about an avenue through which you can build a spiritual relationship, and have a sort of communication with God. Once you can communicate, you can understand the directions you are being pointed in.

Just as with anything, sometimes the communication can get muffled. Sometimes you don't hear it clearly. And sometimes you do, and just don't understand it. But you have to trust that even if it doesn't make sense at the time, it will later on. It takes a lot to get to that point where you can have that sort of trust, especially when a lot of people you come across in your life may prove that trust is not the answer, and that you maybe should automatically distrust others. I don't like living like that though. It's just doesn't seem healthy.

Just like any other recent college grad, I have goals and dreams, future plans, desires, things I want to spend money on, skills I want to better and practice more regularly, places I want to visit, and career aspirations. But with all of the grab bag of little hobbies I have, I know that I'll have a guiding hand to push me in those directions which will truly enrich my life and allow me to live life to the fullest. I just have to remind myself to carry that trust with me always and through anything.