A New Chapter

I am officially across the pond. I never saw myself traveling abroad for an entire semester. After growing up with home always a short drive away, I was daunted by the concept. However, with only about two weeks into my program in London, I have seen new sides of me I never knew existed. The first Sunday mass I attended here was at St. Patricks. It was an absolutely beautiful church, yet the most beautiful part of the entire Sunday evening, was the words the priest spoke about our identity. I think identity is one of those concepts that can be overcomplicated. When you ask a person who they are, you may hear about their interest, or families, or where they are from, etc. As a result, our society questions what is our identity after all? What is the defining part of ourselves that differentiates us from other humans? I learned that Sunday evening that we are looking in the wrong place. The priest explained the only way to truly find your identity is through Christ. We are sons and daughters of Christ. Through prayer and reflection, we continue to shape and fulfill His will for us. One of the dangers of this 21st generation is how much we seek for an identity in so many other outlets. One prominent example being social media. We put our best selves on a social media page thinking that is us. We believe social media is the best version of ourselves. But where on our media pages do we show an authentic love for Christ and others? After all the bikini posts and images of how 'happy' we are, what exists beyond that? I like to believe we are more than our selfies. We are more than the likes and the followers. God created us for more than to be another profile picture. In my film course, my instructor explained how being taken out of your culture and immersed into another is the best way to find yourself in a completely new perspective. New surroundings and news faces can enhance a completely different side of you. I absolutely loved this new thought she sparked into me. As I am just now beginning this chapter, I hope to continue to discover my identity. Specifically, I hope to further discover myself by deepening my relationship with God in a completely new environment. While change is frightful, it is one of the greatest gifts and opportunities God offers us. The Japanese are known for pottery called 'kintsugi' where they take a broken pot and recreate it with beautiful colors among the cracks. The traditional art pieces are to represent the beauty in change. Among ruins, change can be so beautiful. With this new mindset, I am looking forward to a semester of growth and change.