The Luck of a Texan

I have known the great land of Texas since I was four years old. I've proudly called it my home and shared in all its luxuries: the heat, humidity, huge sunsets, miles of open land, dust, boots, cowboy hats and a rich, proud history. Bordering Mexico and the Gulf, Texas was a coveted land that many peoples and countries fought for. I find pride in knowing the history of Texas and what the men and women of this land fought for. Many came to the land to live, work, farm and raise their families. They chose the south, they chose Texas.



The history of a place gives its inhabitants a story to tell, perhaps even memories, and a sense of belonging. Stories create attachment and ownership. They tie one family to another and honor the past. Knowing where you came from makes you no longer a stranger but a resident and citizen. Texas is large and proud. We are the second largest in land size and population. Our major industries are cattle and oil, both which are quite lucrative. Bordered by four states, one country and the Gulf of Mexico, Texan culture is a big part of the Southern United States. Six flags have flown over the land, representing the six different entities that ruled the area. We like our fried food, but we love our football. And the place would not be the same if it weren't for country music and its famous natives like Pat Green, Robert Earl Keen and Clint Black. Texas is big. Texas is loud. Texas is red, white and blue. It is bold and serious. Don't Mess with Texas.

This is what I'll miss about Texas. I've known it for so long. I've grown to love Texans- their big hearts, their big hats, their big trucks...everything is bigger in Texas.

My first love, my loyal friend, I'll miss you dearly. I've had just the luck to know you like I do.

For you:

The Luck of a Texan

We have the wide blue skies with the heavy hot sun whose longevity is infamous.

And the colors of our spring have long dried and drowned with the sweeping of summer.

And each corner and curve is filled with the invading heat, yet with this weighty season upon us, we find a respite here:

For it is the luck of a Texan

to be under a tall shade tree

and to breathe in the breeze of the evening

and to know that the drops of sweat that form on the skin of our brows

come from a pulse in our hearts

that is loud and vibrant and resounding.

It is the luck of a Texan to endure,

but not only for a season

but for the day and the night,

and the minutes, and seconds,

and forever through this vast land.

But more, it is the luck of a Texan

to be close to the hearts of Texans

here in this glorious homeland known by many—

but claimed only by the lucky.

Two hands better than one?

Someday I'd like to be ambidextrous. I'd like to know what it's like to throw your elbow way to the left just to get your arm on the table and in position to write. And I wonder what it is like to make backwards check marks. And what percentage of left handers were bothered by being singled out in class to sit in the left-handed desk? Perhaps they enjoyed being different, or maybe they didn't care at all and just saw it as a necessity? And how many of us would have been left handed if a strong-willed elementary teacher had not corrected the natural tendency?

Is it at all bothersome to be in the minority? Or is it unique, possibly empowering, to know that you are mostly "opposite most everyone else"? Would my balance be better if I could do things with my left hand as well as my right? Would I be more attentive to my body movements? I envied the left handers on the volleyball court. They had the advantage because they attacked the ball from a different direction. Their whole approach and swing was different. I was never tall enough to block a hitter on the net, but I definitely learned to spot them from the back row to anticipate their hit.

Including our current president, nine past US presidents were left-handed. But were any of them ambidextrous? I'm curious. Surely those in the minority have the advantage to learn right-handedness and become proficient faster since it seems the world has catered to right handers. This just means it would take that much more discipline to learn lefthandedness.

when it all comes down to this

This is my big step of faith. I have never in my life had to trust in God so much as I do now. I have always wanted to be in God's will and tried to trust him in all things, but never before have I had to rely on Him as much as I am now.

It would be easy for me to stay in my job and be comfortable with the things that I have right now. It would be easy for me to wish that things would change. It would be easy to live a mediocre life. But I do not believe this is how I was called to live. I believe in a great God who calls us to a full life in Him. He calls us to live in faith (Hebrews 10:19-23). I want the kind of faith that Abraham had when he left his homeland and listened to God to take him to the place he would receive his inheritance.

I'm going to have to trust God every step of the way. I'm stepping out on my own and depending completely on Him. I'm moving to Colorado to go back to school. I'm going to study what I've always loved and live in a place that I've always loved. I'm going to spend as much time outside, most likely in the mountains. For the first time since I was 4, I will be living in the same state as my grandparents and aunts and uncles and cousins.

I'm not sure why it took me until now to decide to go, but I'm going. I'm not sure what the future holds for me. I'm not even sure what tomorrow has, but I want it. I want the joy and hope that comes from Him. We are certain of NOTHING in this life. We are guaranteed NOTHING. It is by absolute grace and mercy that we are alive.

When I first decided to move to Colorado and pursue another degree, I felt like I was taking on an adventure. In a way, I am. I am making my own decisions and taking each day as it comes. I am grateful for what I have and I do not want to waste it. I feel called to something greater than I am able to know right now. I'm not sure what it is- but I have hope. I began to think that this new decision in my life would be a way for me to grow up and discover who I am. I began to pray that God would show me who I am in Him. Then...it occurred to me that this plan may not be about myself. My prayer now is that I may be able to know Him deeper. I pray that my faith may increase. I pray that I would draw into Him and truly treasure the people He puts in my life. I pray that my talents and skills and education would glorify Him. I pray that I may never lose track of Him as my Creator.

Thank you for reading my blogs. More than anything, I would appreciate your prayers. This is a giant step for me, and I am anxious excited about everything that is to come. I'll keep writing with notes on the transition!
Much love,
S