Good Evening Everyone,
"The cross stands as the whole world spins" was a common phrase used by monks many years ago, I'd like you to keep the phrase in mind as you read the rest of today's post. Two very significant things happened this weekend (with regard to the book), the first was an excellent opportunity to interview someone who has overcome a great deal to become successful.
On Saturday, I flew from San Carlos Airport (SQL) to Livermore (LVK) with Mr. Bob Wood, a former United Airlines Flight Attendant & Actor (among many other things). Over lunch at Beeb's Restaurant in Livermore, I got to chat with Bob about his past and the things that have motivated him to find success in his life. But I'd better explain why I wanted to interview Bob in the first place; we had talked about why Bob became a flight attendant, as apposed to a pilot. Well, in high school and into college, Bob still cherished an ambition to become a military, then commercial airline pilot. He even received an appointment to the Air Force Academy, but was told that he did not meet the physical requirements because of his inability to see colors (colorblindness). I imagined that for Bob the blow would have been incredibly devastating, but as Bob said, it was difficult, but his life was far from over - the question was not, "my life is over-what on earth am I going to do?" instead it was, "Okay, that was a setback, but where can I go from here?". Well the "from here" happened to lead him to air traffic control school, and through a fascinating series of events to become a 27 year flight attendant for United Airlines and more recently an actor, acting instructor, and flight instructor. (Sorry its late and you'll get a more detailed description of Bob's story when the book is complete). What to take away from this interview: I believe that the most relevant advice Bob gave was simply, "accept that success may look different than you originally thought it would," and that, "the most valuable times of your life come about during the journey, not the arrival." The last and most important bit was about faith, and although Bob and I may not share the same denomination, we both agree on this point, "Success cannot be achieved unless one has faith and passion for that which he/she is attempting to be successful."
On Sunday night, the student mass at school was held in remembrance of the Jesuit Martyrs that were killed on November 16, 1989 (in El Salvador) for standing up for Christ and representing their beliefs. Their passion and love for Christ is incredibly admirable, and is a true demonstration of those that understand what God calls us to do for His word. I don't know why it affected me so greatly, but it seems like this story exemplified all of the traits Bob and I discussed: Obviously the jesuits had passion and faith, so strong they were willing to die in the service of God. They further demonstrated the understanding that the greatest success can sometimes come from some of the absolute worse scenarios: Jesus died on the cross at our hands, the hands of humans, and yet He loves us all so much, we are successful when we remember that He is our guiding light and that our lives depend upon our faith and trust in Him.
-I know that many of my friends are not Catholic or even Christian, and I can only tell you this. I can never satisfactorily explain to you the feeling I receive when I accept Him into my life, I can only offer you what I know. I have never felt more deeply inspired by anyone or anything, we are all sinners, and we are offered the opportunity to love God and accept him or not - I chose to accept Him into my life after my Grandma Sally passed away because I recognized that passion she had for His word; while battling a brain tumor for more than five years, she did not resent Him, rather she accepted and worshipped Him more than ever before. She had been called to serve Him and while it is an awful shame we didn't get to spend more time together, I know that She is sitting with Him, praying for all of us (Lord knows we need it). I speak only for myself, for I cannot guarantee anything - but if your on the edge I say this, take the plunge, jump in and don't look back, you'll never regret it.
Its 2:41 AM in California (thats 3:41 AM in Denver, and 5:41 AM in New York, yikes!) and I have an 8:00 AM class, so good night everyone, I wish you all the best.
Blessings in Christ, Talk to you soon,
Matt
