Picture by The Ken with his Samsung Transform using Vignette
And it's Wednesday, which means it's time for a lil something from Ken. I bet you were thinking, "It's getting kind of late, I don't think Ken's going to post." Well, BAM! There here yea go!So I was browsing lists of animes, as I often do this time of year, looking for a new series to watch since most of my current ones are/will be finishing up when I had a revelation. I've watched a lot of frickin anime. All of the recommendations off of the ones I've been watching I've seen already, it's like I've come full circle. Maybe I'll re-watch one? I don't really follow any blogs or anything and I can't read any form of Japanese so I'm pretty much in the dark until new shows start popping up. I know I need to watch Darker than Black, so that's at least on the roster as well as Dragonball Kai. But aside from those, that's about it. Considering I'm usually following around 5-6 at a time (relax, it's like 20 minutes an episode cause I don't have to watch commercials and I can skip the intros and end credits) only having 2 is not really that comforting. I'm sure I'll come across something, the question is what? I'm looking forward to it though, whatever it is. Although highly idealized and often ridiculous, I think it's interesting that you can find some genuine thought provoking concepts in animes that aren't at all designed as such.
For example, this last one I finished ended up being pretty humorous overall, but then end gave me a bit of food for thought. The main character, being male, is on the student council with four other girls and he has made it a goal of his to make them all happy. It's discovered at the end of the season that he encountered each of the four girls separately during his freshman year of high school and their interactions with him had some sort of profound effects that motivated him to get onto the student council with them. Now, silliness about plot, themes, and countless other things aside, I did find that one thought interesting and kind of ran with it. Who in my past has helped me to become who I am today? Or rather, more accurately, what individual interactions have I had with other people that has directly affected who I am today?
Kind of an interesting though really. And I'm not talking about the whole, well, he/she has been my best friend forever and I'm sure there are plenty of times where they made an impact on me. I'm more referring to one time interactions or moments that were exceedingly profound, so much so that they clearly stick out in your mind without the need to delve too deeply into your memory. I know I have a couple at least just off the top of my head. For example, when I was 16ish, not really sure about the details here but they're not important so bare with me, I went to a church service at the then Canyon Ridge, now The Grove. I don't remember what the service was about of what I was wearing even, but I remember that we were told that there was a large cross at the front of the stage and that whenever we felt like it we could go up to it and pray. Being a bit shy, and not wanting to draw attention to myself, I waited until the end of the service when everyone was busy packing things up and I approached the cross and knelt. You see, at the time I was going through a particularly rough patch in life when it came to family (those of you that know me well enough might know what I'm talking about here) and, even though I'd never really been that strong of a religious person, I felt the need to pray. I felt as if there was little hope and I turned to the only thing that I felt might be able to help me out. Anyway, as I knelt, which I intended only to be short enough to slip in a short prayer that was like 10-15 seconds long, I felt a hand on my shoulder. I immediately snapped alert and turned to find the pastor himself next to me. At first I thought that I had done something wrong or was in some sort of trouble, but I'll never quite forget that moment and what he said to me. He looked me in the eye and ask, "Can I pray with you?" Surprised as I was I just nodded and we bowed our heads as he prayed for me and whatever hardship I might be going through at the time. After that I thanked him and promptly left.
Now, I honestly don't think that this is something that he remembers in the least bit, however I remember that moment so vividly that I could swear that it happened this morning. Why was this moment so important? Well, I suppose I interpreted as hope. If the pastor could see me, maybe God could too. If the pastor was willing to pray for me despite not even knowing my name, maybe there was something different about this place? I reflected on that moment for weeks, hell I still do even now, but without a doubt that moment led directly to who I am today. It taught me the power of a friendly smile, a friendly touch, and a friendly prayer. It gave me the hope that I needed to get through my life at the time.
There are several more interactions and people that have really helped me in some way become the person I am today, for the better mostly I might add, and I am really thankful for that. I know I'm not the only one though. Perhaps something to think about as we enter the new year? And with that, I bid you, sweet, sweet 2010, a farewell.
-Ken
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