What's in Your Wallet?

Who on earth collects bricks in order pave their own sidewalk for free? The lovely Anita in “101 Dalmatians” (1996). I remember the part of the movie when Anita hits Roger with her purse and he asks, “What do you have in there? Bricks?” Anita blushes somewhat timidly and says, “Well yes, I’ve been collecting bricks for my path.” (Please note: I was nine years old the last time I saw the movie, so the quotes are a bit sketchy.)

My tired, sore, red arms reminded me of this movie today as I toted a large rock around in my purse while shopping in Victoria Gardens. I didn’t realize that the 5x3x2 inch rock would weigh so much in my purse or that the purse straps would hurt so much. What a burden!

With this much randomness in a row, I’m sure you are DYING to see a point to this small collection of thoughts.

I did not carry this rock around to pave my driveway, decorate my room, or make a rock pet. I hoisted the heavy mass around because of a challenge at my women’s bible study on Friday (and if any of you know me, I never back down from a challenge). This rock represented a burden of one of my friends, which I chose to carry today. Some people’s rocks were small and pretty, others were large and dirty. The uniqueness of each rock stemmed from the psychology behind each choice. We each wrote what burden was represented on the rock in Sharpie marker.

I noticed something very poignant for my own experience as I began my day by attempting to fit the rock into my purse. I found that I could not position the rock inside of my purse in any way that allowed all of my stuff to stay inside. So, I took the next largest item out, my PDA (also known as my life). I recognized later on in the day that this small gesture represented much more than praying for a friend for the day. I saw that in order to truly care for someone else, my own agenda needed to be set aside.

So often, I use my tight schedule as a means to refrain from caring for others. If you have gotten a cancellation from me due to my busy schedule, please remember that it is not a lie, though quite possibly an act of selfishness. My new challenge is to void my own volition in order to care for my comrades. (What a sucker I am for alliteration.)

And so, my friend’s burden weighed heavy upon my heart (and arm) today, not only reminding me of her pain, but also of my own downfalls. Perhaps an additional component should be added to my previous post on carrying objects in our lives; how much space and weight a particular object exerts. Think about it, what’s in your wallet?

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FINALLY, a new post!

My studies have enveloped my life over the past month and a half. Thus, I have honestly not had the time to continue in posting or my new series, though I have two works in progess. Bear with me, please!

In the meantime, check out these great reads:

AJ Harbison at The Matrix Has You. Not only is AJ an amazing musician, but also an insightful and avid blogger. He's sure to keep you thinking about a variety of issues and even theological concepts.

Cucina Bella Due to my Italian heritage, I love to cook. This site has such interesting, nearly daily, posts on food facts and delicious recipes. It is full of pictures as well, which constantly make me wish that my kitchen was bigger!

Fun With Blanks I am not sure if this site has been updated recently, but check out the funny and/or meaningful comments. This is a kind of "Mad Gabs" type of site for bloggers.

John's Heart John might not have updated in very long time as well, but despite the grammatical errors (which we are all guilty of), he shares his heart with each reader (as the title of his blog aptly describes).

Mike Morabito at moreburritos.com. Mike's wonderful sense of humor and subtle blend of contemplation will keep you hooked on his myriad of topics in the plethora of posts.

Ovations by Carolyn Bass. Yes, this is my mother, but my plug for her blog is more than simple familial relations. A published author currently in progress on about three novels, her professional substance and quality impress even the most avid blogger.

Rebecca del Rio is poet who composes in both Spanish and English. As I am in the process of learning Spanish (hopefully to become bilingual) I enjoy her touching poems, which speak on a variety of Latin American issues as well. Speakers of each language will enjoy the vivid imagery in the rich poems on her page.

My "Current Reading" list also includes a few books which most definitely warrant your attention. Often the list will include one novel from my Literature class, one reading or book from my Ethnic Studies class, and a novel of my own choosing; all great reads.

Many of these people have links to other terrific blogs as well. Explore your world!

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