One month, two days, and right now

In a month I'll have graduated from college. That's cool.

In two days I'll be 25 and, according to Mormon lore, a menace to society.

Right now I'm writing, reflecting, musing.

Lots has happened in the last few months. I've taken the LSAT, the GRE, applied to grad programs, been through a relationship, learned a good amount of Italian, recovered from a hernia, and developed an unusual and increasing allergic reaction to dairy.

Also, I've been an intern for Utah State Senator Curtis Bramble for the 2010 legislative session. I can honestly say that I have not participated in anything even remotely as rewarding as working closely with Senator Bramble. I consider him a mentor and a friend. (Thanks, Senator.)

Now for some theological-ness:

Many people that I know seem to think that God has some mysterious purpose or lesson for everything that they experience. While true that there are some very specific ways that God tries people - laws of chastity, general morality, sabbath day observance - I think it is a far stretch to say that every experience has some cosmic lesson that we need to discover like some sort of jigsaw puzzle.

Rather, I have come to realize that there is a plan of chaos. You heard me right - the plan of chaos. That sounds paradoxical, but its not. You see, God set the laws that govern the earth and now rests (Yes, I know that this sounds like Deism). We are subject to those laws and to the randomness that exists bounded by those laws. For a chapter or two in the Book of Job, God explains to Job the purpose of Behemoth - the symbol of chaos. Job 40: 19 - "He is the chief of the ways of God".

At least for myself I have found it a more healthy practice to go through one's life experience giving meaning to what happens and not searching for hidden pieces of a puzzle. This suggests taking an active role in the learning process in life.

I'm a firm believer of pulling yourself up by the bootstraps and taking initiative. Act, don't be acted upon. Give meaning to your life, don't wait for some meaning to be thrust upon you.

I will now get off my soapbox.