Wicked

This past week has been quite a hectic one, but in a good way. Last Thursday I went to a discernment group in Tustin after the Crosstrainer meeting. There had Holy Hour from 9-10 and then the group session started from 10-11. It was great meeting people discerning their vocation and getting to know some really cool priests. Its funny how some priests totally break the mold of the stereotypical priest and show that they're just like us wanting to have a good time.

Speaking of which: Andrew's going away party was Friday night. It was good times as always. Its crazy how much love was in the room that night. Everybody is so proud and happy for Andrew that he's stepping up to his vocation to the priesthood (I'm especially proud that its with the Jesuits!!). Its really inspiring to have a close friend display such discipleship. On Sunday, I had the privelege of being asked to be with him as he moved into his Novitiate House in Culver City. They have some pretty nice digs. I also found out through Andrew that people who are discerning can actually stay there for a few days and shadow a Novice, just to get a sense of what its like. I'm really interested in that now...at least I know for sure that I haven't seen the last of Andrew. Who knows? I may be following in his footsteps next year..haha. What really got me though is that as I had to leave early (because of Guys' Night at St. Paul) I didn't feel sadness, loss, or that bittersweet goodbye. It was as if I knew that I would be seeing him again...and I will. I'm certain of it. I know that we're always going to be connected through God and the Church. I'm proud of him...I'm a better man for knowing Andrew and being blessed with his friendship. God bless him and St. Ignatius pray for him.

I got to see Wicked on Saturday night...AMAZING show. Totally throws the Wizard of Oz upside down (despite the fact I've never seen it in its entirety). Everytime I watch a stage show...the acting bug just bites me in the butt. I really miss theatre.

So as of this moment..I am really excited. I can't really say for what yet, but know that (hopefully) we're on the verge of something great. Something new. Something exciting. Just join me in praying for it & if everything goes according to plan, you'll be the first to know. (Now I know why Obama built up the suspense for his VP pick...this is kinda cool. haha =P)

Element

So I sat through an amazing night at Summer Revival last night. It was really a treat. Got to hear Nick Bajet sing with Carlo.I got to see some cool bands like Provence and Simple Servants. However, the highlight of the night for me was watching Fiat perform. I think Pat said it best when he described the way Richelle sings as there being something different when she sings for God. It really makes her shine. As with the rest of Fiat.. they truly shined in my eyes last night with a damn good performance and great song selections (Hallelujah is one of my favorite songs fyi). Some of which really hit me...

As I sat there I felt a twinge of sadness. The notorious metaphorical void we all feel sometimes. And as I was feeling this...I just observed Fiat. For some reason I was slightly envious of them. And then it hit me...I thought back to one of Lauren Menor's posts about what it means to "be in your element". Fiat was shining because they were in their element. Richelle and Austin singing/playing guitar, Martin on the drums, Ray on bass, and Mike on keyboard all for the love of God. I knew God wanted them all to be there on that stage performing in His name. They were in their element. And I think thats the void I was feeling. The past few months have been getting harder and harder for me and I don't know why. Its hard fighting back the feeling of spiritual dryness sometimes. I realized last night that the void I'm feeling is the lack of my ability to be in my own element; and a big part of that is the fact that I don't know what my own element is. I don't know where God wants me to be or what direction I should be taking. I guess I'd call it a semi-identity crisis. Is it acting? CrossTraining? My work? UCI? Running? WHAT?! I know its probably not just a single one of these things, but its frustrating to feel as though you're at a standstill no matter what you do. In the end though... there is Hope. If there was no Hope I wouldn't try anymore. I wouldn't keep searching. Fiat's closing song was very appropriate for me.. Don't Stop Believing! I won't. I know there are plans for me. I just pray I can do those plans justice when it is my time. St. Ignatius pray for me.