why don't I simply listen

Boys give good advice. And from previous experience, the ones that I get advice from, tend to be right. It's hard when they're right, because I tend to not be comfortable with what they suggest I do. It's hard. No one likes doing things that are hard. Myself included. And this is especially true when it comes to things that I've struggled with or attempted to deal with in the past. But somehow, they are right, regardless. Darn it anyway.

thanksgiving soon approaches

One of the most cherished American holidays is a mere two days away, if you don't count this day. It's only a few hours until most of us college kids get to ditch out and go back home, some of us, to see our families and friends for the first time since leaving three months ago. How strange, that we haven't seen our loved ones, that we haven't kept in contact. I mean, obviously, some of us live nearby and go home, or are better at keeping in contact with those that mean a lot to us. I haven't. I live a decent ways away from here, far enough away that it is simply outrageously dull to sit on a bus for five hours to get back. It simply isn't worth the time or energy that it takes to get there, only to be there for a day and a half and have to turn around and return to school.

I have always enjoyed Thanksgiving. It's a time for family, relaxation, good food (and in the last few years, hilarious stories about Black Friday and waking up at 4:00 am). It's a time to genuinely stop and think about how blessed we all are. Because really...we are so blessed. Especially here in America, where we have more than we could ever use, and more than we could want, we are blessed. God has given me so much to be thankful for, so much to make me happy, and so much to show just how much He loves me. Even if I have a terrible day (I'm not going to lie, today started out like one of those days) I still can stop and thank Him for the fact that He gave His son to us. If I had nothing else in this world, I would still be thankful for that, because I know that it means everything.

I pray that you all have a very fantastical and wonderful Thanksgiving break. I hope that your travels are safe, and your time is well spent over the next few days. No, I don't mean that I hope you do all of that homework that you've put off for months, but that instead, you enjoy the company and the time you have to yourself. Balance it, and relish it. And, above all, give thanks.

fiction will never be good enough.

You know, I've always loved love stories. They've always held a special place in my heart, and there's always been a part of me that wished my life were more like the movies.

I can understand why girls around this country are so in love with Edward Cullen. I understand the appeal. He's perfect, or at least, as perfect as most girls could imagine a boy to be. He's charming, protective, completely in love with Bella. Who wouldn't want a devastatingly handsome boy to fall head over heels in love with them? I don't know many girls in this country that wouldn't want that.

And yet...he's not perfect. I went to go see the movie on Friday. I read all of the books this summer, flew through them, ignoring everything else for about a week. I love Twilight. As Wil would say, I'm kinda a Twihard. It makes me giggle, yet I understand the reasoning for the obsession. You always see these amazing stories, about the fabulous guy, and everything that goes with that. I'm not going to lie, there are moments where I too, have compared myself to this fictional girl, and wondered why I wasn't lucky enough to have her life. Obviously, Bella Swan and Edward Cullen don't exist. But, parts of them are real enough to see everyday, in the cute couples that can't seem to get enough of each other, or what have you.

I realized though, that as much as this world tells us that we need a romance, no matter how often it tells us that we aren't complete without a relationship, that being single is not ideal, no matter what they say, it's not true. Don't get me wrong, I think that relationships can be wonderful, and that marriage is sacred, and amazing. Yet, it shouldn't be what we're striving for. It shouldn't be what we're living for. It shouldn't be our main goal to find an Edward. Because, even if he does exist, in mortal form, he shouldn't be our obsession.

There have been moments when I've doubted, when I've wanted nothing more than to have a relationship, to have that pseudo-support, the feel of comfort and love. It's not good enough. It will never fill the gap in my life. The only thing that can, is the love of my Savior. Jesus, is my replacement fictive-hero. The replacement for Edward. I don't need to search for 'love' when I have more than I'll ever need from him. He'll never leave me, never stop loving me. I couldn't ask for more, even if Robert Pattison or William Moseley are ridiculously attractive, it can't make up for what Christ is. He is my obsession, and my love. I wouldn't have it any other way.