"Oh it's ten years later and still... I haven't a clue."
That line is from a haunting little song by Collective Soul (the greatest band of all time). I remember it being in my head, some ten years ago.
You see, ten years ago at this time I was in the Commerce program at the University of Saskatchewan. Just think of where I'd be right now had I stayed! I think I would have eventually gone into marketing and, hopefully, made some serious do-re-mi. What kind of vehicle would I drive? How many different sports season tickets would I buy each year? Where would I go for vacation? What exciting place would I live?
The reality is that I didn't stay in the Commerce program. Exactly ten years ago I got the nudge. That unmistakable nudge by a gentle yet persistent God saying that there was another plan for me, though I would have to be patient in discovering it. So for a week I wandered aimlessly around the University. Eventually I dropped out. I applied at some school in Ontario that gave you no job prospects whatsoever, but had this interesting guy with a perfect head of hair on all the black and white promotional covers. Within a few weeks I actually talked with this guy on the phone as he in a somewhat choppy, soft, yet confident voice told me I was accepted to the school.
I looked for work around Saskatoon in the meantime, and eventually got a job washing dishes and prepping food at an expensive French restaurant. The qualifications that got me hired? I told the owners that I come from a family of 7 children, and all I knew was how to wash dishes.
So I worked, and prayed, and had a great time attending the Latin Mass and spending time with young people who were serious about studying the faith, and not simply their feelings. Eventually I flew out East and made it to a town called Barry's Bay.
I was picked up by the man with the perfect hair, and another man by the name of Michael O'Brien. I knew he was famous, but I was terrified that his decrepit old van wouldn't make the drive. Well, we pulled in very late at night to an old convent and I was brought to a dark little room. I spent the night with no pillow or blankets, and not even knowing where the bathroom was.
Welcome to the Academy.
So the years have passed since then. I now drive a dented grey minivan. I market the importance of music and phys ed. to elementary school children. I have season tickets to watching little Joseph perform his antics each and every night (that little goofball). And for vacation, it's always Southern Ontario. Brantford area to be specific. Not exactly the mountains, or the Vatican, but very welcoming nonetheless. And now I live in the bustling town of Tisdale, SK: Land of Rape and Honey. It doesn't get much more exciting than that. I'm pretty sure you don't live in a place as exciting as the land of rape and honey.
It's ten years later and still... I haven't a clue. But from time to time I still get that persistent little nudge from that gentle and persistent God leading towards another path.
I wonder will the next ten years will lead?
I haven't a clue.