Contradictory

Here in a very unstable spring season, I've found large contradictories. (not sure if that's a real word. Just ignore it...)

The other day, I followed the desire of cravings, and crawled out from under my big, fluffy blanket to make myself a frozen coffee. Let me repeat. BIG, fluffy blanket, frozen coffee. That day (which was the eve of a 70 degree day..) and that moment, sparked good thought. (And it being so very cold, I was able to think very well. I always think better when I'm warm and cozy.)

I've begun reading Do Hard Things by Alex and Brett Harris, and have been incredibly struck by the truth, and boldness. They shy away from nothing, but say it like a teen. I'm only a portion of the way into it, and already so jarred. I'm excited to read this book, but just the first few pages have provoked thoughts on teens nowadays. And that's a bunny trail we're gonna hop down.

I feel like my parents have always done an amazing job of requiring from me and my sisters more than the "norm". I appreciate that they haven't let us play limbo and slip under already low standard. What bothers me, is how little I expect of myself.

The twins served in Alabama's Supreme Court at 17. The ended up serving in positions traditionally reserved for law-school students. I'm not saying that everyone will have the same opportunities, or even the same gifts (Brett and Alex competed in several debate groups), but at 17, I volunteer in my church's nursery, and kick my butt in the completion of junior year.

Why have we told ourselves that its OK to be lazy, disrespectful, and irresponsible. (Ok, maybe not exactly like that, but we've given ourselves the general idea) We've readapted this ancient idea called "scapegoats" and ours happen to be excuses. And boy! We sure are good at coming up with creative ones!

I'm not perfect, I simply recognize my need for change. I'm not gonna start the rebolution2, but I know I have a teen following (small....but hey. Three is more than none :)), and if we all see our need to do something different, what are we gonna do about it?

Thoughts?

~MadaLee