by Michael Puente

Created on: March 16, 2007   Last Updated: May 11, 2007

Most people, I believe, find themselves oblivious to the reality of most situations, in which they can't derive any self-realization. It's an unfortunate thing, because some people tend to become "lost in a sea of faces," and don't want to acknowledge their problems or work on their faults.

The truth is, I believe that everyone is capable of doing beyond what they believe they can do. Even though difficult sometimes, I have a hope for this world. You know, I was talking to this girl over the summer and she had the audacity to say, "There's no hope for this world, it's too far gone." I felt sympathy for her and her negative outlook; for me, the world has a need in which it doesn't really understand.

With that said, I believe that what we're lacking is depth; and most of our relationships have become a superficial mockery of reality. It's in our media, and is engraving the minds of our youth to a point of ignorance. It's funny how our society lives by the proverb, "ignorance is bliss," when we're yearning for stable lives. How could we possibly believe we could live life, when we're numb to the harsh realities of this world.

Reality for most of us, unless of course we're in the midst of it - is outside of abuse, poverty, and affliction. It's unfortunate that some find themselves persuaded by medical professionals, that there's something wrong with their lives. For this life, is series of ups and downs - twists and turns - who knows where you'll land. Sometimes, it hurts like heck and I know sometimes I just want to give up. You have to ask yourself, "What would I do without my struggles?" Life would be rather bland without the next conundrum.

In this "chasing of the wind," we will never be able to satisfy the true desires of heart without understanding them first. I believe that we all have a divine purpose and will for our lives, yet we tend to make things complicated. Confusion is the the great deceiver, and can cripple us from becoming what we're meant to be. We're deceived by the shallow remark, that where in this life on our own.

Me before them.

The human heart is something most can't describe, and most don't want to begin to evaluate. In my pursuit of understanding, I have found something amazing. A truth that came from studying the Bible diligently and applying it to everyday living. It's simple, it's easy, and most don't want to even touch it with a 20-foot stick; this is, the desire to love those that you don't know, or don't deserve it.

I will bring into light the attribute of selfishness, to contrast the negligence of this essential commodity called - love. In our egocentricity, we lack emotion in attempt to achieve success, and complacency. Once achieved, most don't understand why they still feel emptiness. The truth is, they've missed the simple gratification of making someone smile; or feel valuable, in their feeble attempt to create happiness.

This is where, "joy" and "happiness" can be contrasted perfectly.

Joy, although it can be achieved, isn't something that tangible objects can satisfy. It's achieved by realizing that this world isn't revolved around you, and others need you. In the midst of this realization, it transform the human heart into a vessel to love others. In servitude and unconditional love for others; inner-peace and joy becomes the by-product.

On the contrary, happiness is something as fleeting as beauty - a plethora of tangibility. Once achieved, the person thrives for another; bite, look, smell, hit, ride...(obviously, not an exhaustive list). You name it, people will want more once they've achieved there tangible item of affection. It's rather sad to see those who spend their who lives spending money, time, and energy on - emptiness.

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