I met
with my mentor Nathan this past Wednesday at saga. We planned to meet at
saga at 8 am. Even though 8 am is super early, it is a prime time to get an omelet.
Nathan and I were able to eat and talk for about an hour. We focused on one
word for most of the time. This word is "balance". Nathan loves and
hates this word. He loves the word, because everyone needs to find the
right amount of stability in life. He also hates this word, because people
stress every day to try to find the right “balance” in life. People including
me strive for this perfect balance when it is unachievable. Nathan expressed
that I will never be the perfect student, perfect basketball player, perfect
son, or perfect Christian. He told me that perfection is unachievable and that
I am loved for being my imperfect self.
This
message was encouraging to me. I sometimes get down on myself when things do
not go as planned, but Nathan communicated that it is okay to not be perfect
and that I am always loved by Him.
Kobe!
ReplyDeleteI think this was a cool theme for your meeting, since you're a basketball player and of course it takes a good amount of balance to be able to slam dunk the basketball out on the court as I have seen you do. Nathan sounds awesome and good call with the omelet. I've also had a rough time getting the balance part down at college. With wrestling, rotc, and classes there have been times I've noticed that I definitely neglected one aspect or two and have been favoring the other. So I wish you luck as you continue the journey to become the most balanced you possibly can.
With love,
Max Gierke
Kobe,
ReplyDeleteI found it so interesting how your meeting with Nathan was led by themes. I can see how your conversations can be led in very creative ways. I found your insight very true - no one will ever be perfect. With that said, it is our responsibility to be the best we can for the sake of improving in life. It seems you have spent quality time with your mentor and I commend you for that.
Best,
Harry
Kobe,
ReplyDeleteThis is a great theme and a hard concept to come to terms with. We strive so hard to do everything, and do it well. The art of finding a balance in your life can be stressful and is a continual process. Thank you for sharing this meaningful message with us.
Kobe,
ReplyDeleteMissed you in Florida during Spring Break. I'm glad that this process of meeting with Nathan provides you with a good excuse to wake up earlier in the morning in order to get omelets. Even if you get nothing else out of meeting with Nathan, at least you're getting a good breakfast in the morning! Keep resting in the love of Jesus in spite of imperfections.
Kobe,
ReplyDeleteYour early morning omelet meetings sound like they have been very beneficial for you, although 8 a.m. can be rough! It was interesting to read about Nathan's love/hate relationship with the word "balance". As a perfectionist myself, it is always a good reminder that our performance is not where our worth is found, but rather in His great love for us.
-Mark
Kobe,
ReplyDeleteI feel that God has been teaching me that same lesson this past semester and it has been hard but great. Things that I used to feel very secure in I have been struggling with at it has forced me to develop a new dependence on God. Thanks for posting!
btw your pretty close to perfect <3