Virtuous Man?

What makes a virtuous man?

As I sit here and ponder I wonder... What is Virtue?

Is it the strength he shows in certain situations? Is it how he handles himself in the face of adversity? How does one face adversity and still have strength to go on with the rest of his day? Do people even think that I am strong enough to face my demons and perceiver?

Why does it seem that I face the trials and tribulations when others do not? These are just some of the many thoughts that are flowing through my mind at the moment. I turn for strength and you are there, you comfort me, and give me shelter during the storm. You are a loving God and I am so thankful for your mercy. I do not deserve it, but yet you show mercy on me daily. I am eternally thankful. You stand by my side when it seems that it's me against the world. I only live to serve you.

I try to hide my emotions until the proper time to let them out. I think that this helps me in my job. What happens when the emotions are to much? I don't know. How much can I hold before someone notices? I strive for that faint glimpse of hope that I may have made a difference in someone's life. I perform a service for the public. Do I look at it this way? Yes and no. I think that I am a servant of God. There when people need me. I give comfort and advice to those that have stepped off the path. But who leads the leaders? I turn to you in my time of need. You are the loving God that I desire.

I long for rest and relaxation, however they seek answers and retribution. I turn to you to give me strength so I may help others. How did servant go from a title of honor to one of pity?

"Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men,

knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord, you serve the

Lord Christ." Colossians 3:23-24

I am a servant of men and women, but most importantly, Christ the creator. I lose sight of this from time to time and instead find anger. Help me to remember that I serve a higher being. I pray that all I do during my time on this earth is to glorify you.

What is God's plan for my life? I don't know. I pray that it is one of obedience, service, and gives glory to God. I lose sight of this and try to satisfy my own will. Lord, I pray that you forgive me for my short comings and selfish ways. I ask that you show mercy on me and guide me along thy path. Give me strength, so I may help others in their struggles. Who ever I meet, let them see you through me.

My father is a virtuous man. He has been the needle on my moral compass. He gives me advice and provides for me where I cannot. He is a strong, wise, and a loving father. He has always been there for me and I strive to be like him. He has taught me how a man acts, shown me how to be strong and courageous, and taught me respect. He is a virtuous man.

But the question still remains... Am I a virtuous man? A virtuous man is strong, of excellent moral, and wise. Things I strive to be. What will my legacy be? When people talk of the life I've lead, will virtue be one of the defining words used? Only time will tell...

During my struggles, I think of a passage that has gotten me through tough times, times where my strength has been tested.

"It is written: "I believed ; therefore I have spoken." With that same spirit of faith we also

believe and therefore speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from

the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence."

"All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may

cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God."

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we

are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us

an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."

"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is

temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:13-18

What does this mean? As the troubles of my day tear me down, God the Father builds me up. The days that are worse than others that seem to knock me down, he is there to pick me up. This comforts me in my time of need. We do not focus on the things of this world for they are only temporary. Instead, focus on God for he is eternal.

A virtuous man seeks and has a thirst for God that only he can quench. A virtuous man is a servant for God, one who puts the father above all else. One who seeks guidance from him, so he may guide others. A patient man who puts the needs of others before his own. I strive to be this. Father be with me now in my time of uncertainty. Give me a comfort that only you can provide...

The opening of the mind

Have you ever wondered what would happen if you could go back in time. I'm not talking about Doc Brown pulling up in the time machine or anything. We start learning from the time the doctor smacks our butt and we learn that it hurt. From day to day to minute to minute, we make decisions that could alter the rest of our lives. I think back to certain times of my life and wonder what if...

What would have happened if I did not go to this college and went to another one? Would I be where I'm at right now? Probally not, but I would like to think that it's my purpose to be here right now and maybe it will work out. People tell you to learn this and learn that, but for what? Well mainly because that's their jobs and they think that you need to know it. Don't you think I would learn it and retain more of the experience if I learned it myself?

What would happen if I said yes to that person and no to the other. Don't get me wrong. I have a job that I look forward to everyday. It's not glamerous and doesn't even pay that much. But it gives me self gratification. Most people cuss at me wish that I wasn't around but it makes it worth it when just that one person says an honest and heart felt thanks.

I think back to younger times and say that was pretty fun... but was it worth it? I was, what I consider to be, a good child growing up. I was most influenced by church. I look back and cherish that time that shaped my beliefs and morals and thank each person that helped along the way. So as I type I can't help but wonder if most people would change a small thing or a large event that altered their life.

I wonder about friends from the past and where they are now. Friends I haven't spoken to in days and in years. Friends that live half way around the country or ten minutes from me. They all have one thing in common though... I haven't spoken to them in a while and I don't know why.
Some I considered my best friends at the time. Where did our friendship go? Is it too late? Maybe fate will lead me to the answers.

I can't help but think that God has put me here for a purpose. I wonder if I will ever know what that purpose maybe? The only thing that I can hope for is that I am strong enough for that one moment in time... The existance and purpose for me... I guess I'll just have to wait and find out.