September 8th, 2023

Today was kind of rough, I failed to get up when I wanted to because I wanted to sleep. Nearly back to back 60 hour weeks can get to you, and any more than that constantly can lead to someone feeling like they're completely burnt out. I understand that sometimes there are folks that are capable of doing that no problem, but I know I'm not one of them. I need time to recharge my batteries so to speak, and weekends definately help me out there. Sometimes I feel like I'm making excuses, but today, I'm going to try and show myself some grace.

Had a really good friend come over recently, and we talked about a whole lot. Most of it had to do with music, and it is always a treat to listen to him rave about his favorite bands. We talked about a recent mushroom trip he did with his father, and I'm happy that the experience was a good one for both of them. During that time, he beared his soul to God asking for help, because he is a person who sometimes seems lost in what he needs to do. He said he felt better about it, and he wanted to really try and give God a try, and I couldn't be more elated for him. God's given me so many blessings that I am trying every day to be thankful for, such as my home, my job, my family, my wife, and trials and tribulations that were meant to temper me, and teach me lessons that I can one day pass onto my children in hopes that my rants and ravings hold some semblance of wisdom. I really hope that this is the start to a relationship that he'll be able to continue to grow because it helped me a lot in many of my darkest times, and I hope that it can help him too. After this conversation we watched the new Distrubed music video for Never Again they filmed in Israel. It is such a powerful message, for not only the Jewish population, but for the world to oppose the extermination of populations or ethnicities that are deemed to be inferior. Truth be told, I don't know what I would do if faced with that kind of decision. To fight or be compliant. I want to say I would fight, God willing, but I've not had to face anything on the level that those who fought in WWII faced. The call to arms, the potential last goodbyes to those you love, all in the name of fighting for justice, and for those who deserve better.

Thank you again whimsical strangers. Remember, God loves you, there is light in the world, and stay hydrated :)