Ripple.

It begins with a ripple. A slight change. It sets the stage in motion so that before you know it, uncertainty and chaos have erupted. A new direction. A new perspective. A new way of thinking, doing, and being. How quickly everything can change. I have been reflecting on this concept of change a lot lately, mainly because it's recruitment season and as we bring folks to campus, I cannot help but think when their ripple was that brought them before us in St. Louis with the prospect of uprooting their life and starting a new chapter. Exciting, for sure. Nerve wracking, most definitely.

Ripples seems to be all around us. That first meeting or encounter that leads to the first date and eventually, vows and the beginning of a family. The random exchange or connection that leads to a new employment opportunity or career path. The conversation with a mentor that sets your path to shape and transform your communities. The decision to stand up and speak out for injustice that launches your identity as an activist and advocate. The phone call that shatters your world with the passing of a loved one forever challenging your view of faith, reminding you of the frailty of humanity, and the beginning of the wishes to just have one more day. The spark that ignites and fuels the fire within you.

Change happens to be the only constant thing in our lives. How ironic is that? I'm anxious to see where the ripples in my life take me. I'm excited to see what's in store tomorrow, next week, next month, and even next year. Who knows what's in store or when the next ripples will come. Perhaps it already has...

Cheers.