Patience

I was reading through my devotional this morning about patience and the Lord put a few things on my heart that I want to share with all of you.

We live in a world in which we expect nearly everything at the blink of an eye; if we ever want something, we want it right away.  A lot of this, I feel, can be attributed to the advancement of technology.  My generation has been immersed in technology ever since we took our first steps as young children.  We grew up during the days of VHS tapes which eventually evolved to DVDs and most recently to Blu Ray.  Ask any kid under the age of twelve today and I'd venture to guess they have no clue what a VHS is.  I digress.

Technology provides means for us to get what we want, when we want it.  Consider online shopping, for example.  No longer do you physically have to go in to Target or go in to Walmart to buy the latest gadget or a new appliance for your kitchen.  You can simply sit at home in your pajamas and order virtually anything online.  Granted you'll have to wait for it to ship to your home but in terms of the actual transaction itself you need not set foot out of your home.

Now, why does this all matter?  Why is this relevant?  Patience is an incredible thing.  The ability to be patient allows an individual relax and understand that it may not be necessary to have something right away.  Patience with worldly things is all well and good, but patience with the Lord is even better.

You can sit down and map out the rest of your life all you want; your dream job, dream spouse, how many kids you want...blah, blah, blah.  You get the idea.  Go for it.  But I've quickly learned in the almost twenty-two and a half years I've spent on this Earth, that things don't always go the way you plan them to.  For example, I designed this blog to chronicle my journey through physical therapy school and my walk with the Lord.  My plan was to attend The Ohio State University.  God's plan was to test my faith, first by getting wait listed at all the schools to which I applied and second by trusting His plan for me to attend The University of Toledo.

I would be lying to you if I said there weren't times during the application process that I was impatient and other times that I worried.  However, the times of impatience and worrying were outweighed by words of encouragement from friends and family and more importantly God's grace.

I'll close by offering a challenge; I'll partake in this challenge as well.  Throughout the next week, if there is ever a time when you feel you're becoming impatient, take a moment to yourself.  Take a deep breath and remember that God is going to work everything out in His time.  Remember to not only have faith in Him but faith in his timing as well.  You may become frustrated this week at work or at school with a co-worker or classmate.  What is getting angry and impatient with them going to accomplish?  Probably not too much.  Step back, take a deep breath and be patient.

1 Thessalonians 5:14  And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.      

One Month Out

Well, one month from now I will be sitting in my first classes as a doctoral of physical therapy candidate at the University of Toledo.  Many of you have inquired as to what I will be doing for the next month and by virtue of this entry I hope to inform you.

Quick review:
May 4th - Graduated from Siena Heights University, Bachelors of Science
May 8th - Returned home to Hilliard

Throughout the month of May I will be working at the Hilliard YMCA (7 minutes from home), however not in the same capacity that I have the past three summers.  During the summers of 2010-2012 I worked as a summer camp counselor, a position that lasted June through August.  I will be working a variety of positions over the course of the next month.  These positions include building supervisor, front desk attendant, along with other miscellaneous work to help the camp staff at the Y prepare for this summer.

At the end of the month, my family is taking a vacation to Florida.  My youngest brother, Bradley, is a member of the Hilliard Davidson Marching Band.  Every four years the band treks to Orlando to march in one of the many Disney parades.

My dad and I are leaving for Atlanta the morning of May 31st in time to go to the Braves vs. Nationals game that evening at Turner Field.  The following day, Bradley will depart with the band via charter bus and my mother and brother Brian via plane.  We will all be in Orlando June 1st through the 5th;  on the 5th my dad and I will fly back to Ohio in order to make final preparations for my move to Toledo on June 8th.  Two days later, June 10th, classes begin.

There is a lot going on the next month for sure and I know it is going to fly by.  Thanks again to the consistant followers of this blog and even to those who are reading for the first time.  Thank you also to all of the individuals who are praying for me.  Physical therapy school is going to be a long haul and I'm ready to take it on with the Lord at my side.

Take care,
Brandon

|ˈspe sh əl|

special |ˈspe sh əl|

adjective

better, greater, or otherwise different from what is usual

Today was a special day.  Today, I took another step towards my dream.  Today, I graduated from Siena Heights University.  

Four years ago, in August of 2009, I began my undergraduate career at Siena Heights University.  I had no idea what to anticipate coming to Siena and little did I know I was in for a fun ride.  The past four years have been great and if you want me to reminisce ask me elsewhere.  I want to use this entry however to discuss today.

Today was a special day.  551 graduates from Siena Heights University were recognized for their hard work and dedication to earning a degree be it baccalaureate or masters.  That's special because the class of 2013 was one of the largest in the university's rich 94 year history.  But today was special for me for a different reason.  That reason was my family.

Mom and Dad - I love you.  I would not be the man I am today without the Godly morals you have instilled in me and your continuous support.  I don't know what I would have done without all your help along the way.  Sure others my say I'm partial to my parents but you two truly are the best parental dynamic duo in the WORLD.  

Brian and Bradley - You two bring out the best in me.  Sure there have been plenty of times that we have butted heads and haven't seen eye to eye.  BUT the fun times, times of laughter and times where we've been just stupid together have outweighed the times of conflict.  I'm proud to call you my brothers and I love you both.

Grandpa and Jeanne - You two are great.  Grandpa, you've watched me grow over the past 22 years and 4 months and I think we can agree that time flies.  You have done so much for me and I couldn't have been happier that you were able to make it today.  And to Jeanne.  Although you haven't been apart of my life for quite as long, you have also been there to support me along the way.  I love both of you very much.

Aunt Judi and Uncle John (the miscellaneous family members as Brian referred to them today) - Thank you so much for coming today.  Aunt Judi from Ocean, New Jersey and Uncle John from Creston, Ohio.  You both traveled a great distance to be here today and that was awesome.  Although we don't get to see each other as much as we would like, I appreciate very much all you have taught me and am grateful that I can call you family.  All my love.

Today I took another step towards my dream.  In a world where not many individuals pursue undergraduate studies, even fewer pursue graduate studies (masters or doctoral).  In my world, I am fortunate to now be able to do both.  Earning my degree today marked one more step towards the top of my educational staircase.

Avery Alligator  X

Tharp Tiger  X

Weaver Wildcat  X

Davidson Wildcat  X

Siena Heights University Saint  X

University of Toledo Rocket

Brandon Bowers, Doctor of Physical Therapy

Today I graduated from Siena Heights University - Thank you to all of the faculty, staff and classmates that helped me get to today.  There have been individuals throughout my undergraduate career who had impacted me in a positive manner over the course of all four years and there have been others whose impact has only lasted the duration of one semester.  Both are important and both have helped me become who I am today.  Thank you. 

I've loved my time at Siena Heights University and it is going to be difficult to move on.  But it's time, time for a new chapter to begin.  I'll close with three remarks, one of my own, one from a friend and a verse as well.

To my fellow seniors, class of 2013, from my Torch Night speech on April 26th, 2013.

"As we go our separate ways and embark on new journeys, remember your time at Siena and apply what you’ve learned here to your future endeavors.  You have made a positive impact at Siena Heights and there is no doubt in my mind that each and every one of you is capable of continuing to make a positive impact in the future.  Go out into this world and don’t settle for being average because anyone can be average; strive to be great at what you do; strive for excellence and go show the world what it means to be a Saint."

Strive for excellence.

I've received a handful of graduation cards over the past few weeks.  On one card, I received this message:

"Congratulations on your graduation.  Always be proud of your achievements and use them to fulfill your dreams.  You have the power to shape your future, stay committed.  Great challenges lie ahead and great opportunities are before you.  Wherever your life takes you, God will guide you.  We do not know what tomorrow will bring but we do know this, God's plan is PEFECT.  He provides only what is the very best for us.  I just want you to know that I am praying for you.  Find strength in knowing that God is in control of everything and will see you through all things.  May God's guidance and protection be with you.  May He bless you in all you do."

Wow, what an incredible message, an incredible articulation of words and an incredible sense of encouragement.  You know who you are, thank you for that very much.  We serve an awesome awesome God.

On two of the other cards one of my favorite passages of scripture was printed.

Jeremiah 29:11 "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"

Another source of encouragement that we have nothing to fear.  Things are going to go your way and things aren't going to go your way, regardless, give it all to God.  You will feel a sense of liberty like no other I guarantee you.

I apologize for the extensiveness of this entry but there was a lot of ground to cover.  Until my next entry, have a great day and know that God has a plan.