That last one particularly sticks with me. A couple of weeks ago, while my family was driving on the 401 to Kingston for my sister’s graduation, we witnessed something I had only seen in the news. We witnessed the motorcade for Private Alexandre Peloquin, a Canadian soldier who was recently killed in Afghanistan. If you don’t know what happens with Canadian soldiers who are killed in battle, then this may sound odd that seeing black cars speeding pass me in the opposite direction for brief moment sticks with me. Its much more than that. Let me explain.

The portion of highway 401 between Trenton & Toronto has been renamed the “Highway of Heroes.” It is this stretch of highway that all Canadians killed in action is driven down, from the air force base in Trenton, to the morgue in Toronto. Every-time this horrible trek happens, something amazing happens as well. Canadians from all backgrounds, veterans & civilians, men & women, young and old, gather on the bridges above the Highway of Heroes to pay their final respects for the fallen soldiers. Some sit, most stand, some salute, some wave flags; they all remember. And that’s why that trip to Kingston sticks in my mind so much. Not just the fact that I saw the motorcade pass by, but also witness the reverence and respect my fellow countrymen had for our fallen soldiers. It was really quite something.

So never forget. Don’t only remember those who past away who made the headlines. Remember the lesser knowns and the unknowns as well. Somebody loses a son or daughter, brother or sister, friend or family, every-time someone dies.

Always remember.

Imagine a day where you fully open up. Fully Embrace. Fully receive. Fully open up to the love from above. Fully embrace your true potential. Fully receive the Holy Spirit.

Imagine a day where you are truly spontaneous. Where everything you do comes out naturally from your ingrained character. A character born from the one above.

Imagine the possibilities. Imagine the joy. Imagine the hope. Imagine the unimaginable.

Now imagine a life filled with these days…

Figuring out what I’m doing next has left me a lot free time on my hands right now and to pass some of the time, I’ve been watching some Gossip Girl. Not particularly proud of admitting that, I don’t even like the show, but it has this weird way of drawing me in. But in spite of my dislike of it, I must say that its Thanksgiving episode was alright and was the surprising source of an invaluable reminder of what real love is.

Jenny is a teenage character on the show and leading up to this episode, she has been on the rise in the fashion scene as a new designer but has alienated all those who care about her in the process, including her dad, Rufus. She even moved out of her home, away from her family. In this particular episode, she is trying to start the process of emancipating herself from her dad so she can start her own fashion line. Rufus eventually finds out and is initially furious again with his daughter. But after a calming talk with his son, he approaches Jenny in an unexpected way.

Jenny: …and you’d be really mad.
Rufus: No, I’m out of angry. I miss you too much.
Jenny: Dad, please don’t try to guilt trip me right now, ok?
Rufus: Your brother helped me realize that I haven’t told you something, something important.
Jenny: What?
Rufus: I love you Jenny. I love you so much, I’m willing to let you go if that’s what it’s going to take to get you back. When the time comes for a court hearing, I won’t stand in your way. But there is nothing you can do to make me stop loving you.

Reminded me of a post I read in a friend’s blog last year. Another illustration of real love from TV.

The last wedding I went to this past weekend is one that I’ll probably always remember. I had the privilege to help out the happy couple (Teresa & Caspian) by being one of their ushers. Not a difficult task, but was glad to help out in any way possible. But it isn’t this that made it so memorable, it was how the couple made the day that could have been (and rightfully so) all about them into a day about God and others.

The first thing that stuck out in my mind is their first act, besides the first kiss, as a married couple: to lead all of us guests in musical worship. That’s right, the bride in her bright white dress and the groom all decked out in his tux standing on stage with their band, leading the church to worship God. Just awesome.

It didn’t stop there either. Later that evening, during the banquet, there were the usual speeches from the maid of honour, best man, families, and the newly wed couple, but during the newly weds’ speech, they invited Trevor from Compassion to speak to the guests about sponsoring a child. Teresa & Caspian themselves had started sponsoring their second child through Compassion a couple of years ago and not content with just that, they decide to open up their special day to encourage others to do the same, to join in something that is close to their hearts. Wow.

Again, a brilliant day that I won’t forget because of how two people diverted attention that they could have drawn to themselves onto God and helping others in need.

Anyone know where that quote is from? If you guessed Harry Potter, kudos to you!

I just started reading Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone again for like the 5th time (you could say I’m a fan of the books) and came across this quote from the first chapter. It’s when Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall are waiting for Hagrid to deliver little baby Harry to the Dursleys, and McGonagall says this to Dumbledore. Kind of ironic when you think about it, cause it’s pretty much come true in this, our real world.

But it got me thinking, what will I be remembered for? Harry’s known for being the “the boy who lived” and defeating Voldemort; JKR’s most famously known for writing the Harry Potter series. But what about me?

I guess I’m thinking about this because I’m at yet another crossroads in my life. Just finished university and have the rest of my life before me. Exciting times, definitely, but it would be nice if I had a clue about where I’m going or what I even want to do. There’s only one thing I know for sure, I want to be of service to others. Unfortunately, that’s about as vague as you can get when it comes to direction in life. I’m sure I’ll discover my niche in this world sooner or later, but I’m hoping it will be sooner rather than later. Here’s to the beginning of the rest of my life.

What about you? What are your passions? How would you like to be remembered?