Road back to the Abbey

The Road to the Abbey is full of great memories. It’s amazing how life takes some twists and turns taking you back to where you used to be.

This past weekend I took a trip to Fort Mills, South Carolina with my wife. She was going to attend a women’s conference.  I was taking time for a much-needed  break away. Having some time to reflect and finish my college degree that I wrap up next week. During my visit I decided to make a short road trip to my Alma Mater, Belmont Abbey which I attended back in 1990- 1992 in Belmont North Carolina. While visiting I began to realize that even though we’re on separate paths and never really know where our destination is, life still comes full circle.

As I walked around the campus and write this,  I am amazed at the transformation. Over the past 25 years, new buildings went up around campus. What used to be just an empty field now had soccer bleachers and a baseball diamond. While I was there on this journey I had time to do some self-reflection. Beginning to realize that the last 25 years that I thought were wasted we’re actually just part of a bigger journey.

I would not be the person that I am today if I hadn’t made mistakes and decisions over the last few decades. As I wrap up my last semester in college this week and get ready for my graduation 25 years later. I can look back with pride in that although I may not have taken the path others had chosen for me.  I did  it my way, I’m graduating with a degree that I chose not one that was chosen for me. Creating a career out of a hobby that I chose. While I build the dream that others have helped me create.

I missed my high school reunion this past weekend in order to have this weekend away.  While my classmates were reminiscing of the years gone by. I am reveling in the memories this old school created. The campus although changed seems so surreal and familiar. I instantly felt at home within the old walls of the Abbey. I even came back the next day with my wife to attend mass and catch up with some more of my past. My life has come full circle and although it has taken me 25 years, I am finally able to celebrate the Excellence and Virtue that the monks at the Abbey taught me so long ago.

It is never too late to chase after your dreams. Sometimes we get sidetracked on our journey of life. Many times these distractions are more a re-routing of our internal GPS. Had I stayed in school at the Abbey back then, my life would not be as it is now. Sure I may have had a degree sooner (likely kicked out rather than dropped out). Anyway it would have been different, I trust in the decisions I have made and that I am following God’s bigger plan.

Would love to hear your thoughts, is there a time or place that you went back to and were surprised by the memories it held?