This is my first blog. Whoo hoo! -Daniel
I just got back from spring break in Panama Beach Florida. And while I was there I realized some very astonishing things. First of all I realized that Florida is much warmer that Cincinnati. I also realized that I should have worn sun block instead of sun tan lotion. But, though it was relaxing to be away from my regular routine and homework schedule, it was also depressing.
It was depressing to see that the best thing to live for is getting drunk, searching the town for a sleeping partner for the night and waking up the next morning feeling trashed and stupid but still doing it all over again the next day.
So, there I was, 700 miles from home, and I could do anything I want to. I'm in Panama Beach and sin was calling my name. It said, "Come on Daniel. This is lots of fun. You'll have the greatest time in the world sinning along with everyone else and no one will ever know or care."
But that statement was wrong.
Someone does care. And when I took a step back from everything happening that moment and looked at the big picture, I realized that people were not only throwing up from all the beer they drank, but throwing their lives away to sin and pleasures of the world. They lived without giving a care about where they would end up when they die, or when they would die for that matter. I saw just how much of a stronghold Satan had on this place, and I realized that I didn't want any of that.
I wanted to live and be somebody who did care. Somebody who not only cared for what happened to me, but also what happened to those around me. I decided that instead of living for the moment and playing with a lust that would never be quenched, it would much more filling and lasting to build other people up. To tell them encouraging things. To live for God and be His tool, instead of letting the freedom He gives me be my tool.
So, I would say that this spring break has been quite the encouragement to me. It was a time that God opened my eyes and let me see just what goes on when you cross the line too many times. Now, I wouldn't reccomend going there on account that "Well, when Daniel went, he was encouraged and is now walking closer to the Lord!". But it did help me, and I wanted to share that with you all.
Thanks!
-Daniel