Second chances.

You hear people talk about their opinions on second chances all the time. They are usually avidly against giving others another opportunity but have no problem accepting grace on their own behalf. I recently returned from the Windy City and have been continually reminded of the importance in new starts. My trip over to Chicago was a last minute plan to follow my heart and see what the city had to offer. On the morning of my departure everything seemed to be a disaster. I received some very untimely and unwanted information, lost my phone, and nearly missed my flight! All of this made my heart uneasy about my hasty decision to travel so far away. Eventually as I flew to the Midwest my heart calmed down and I was fast asleep. Upon landing my overactive mind started working in full effect but in the midst I felt God’s presence calm me down. I took one big deep breath and the fear was replaced with excitement. As I walked through this huge airport I felt like such a country girl in the midst of masses urbanites.
My first night consisted of taking the “L” and being introduced to some hearty and authentic deep-dish pizza. For someone who is lactose intolerant you’d think that it would be a nightmare but my stomach already loved this new place. The thread of second chances was on my mind heavily that night, as I sorted through my feelings and got excited for the weekend. Each day I was there seemed to fly by faster than before. In less than four day I fell for a city I had promised myself I wouldn’t like. I got to go to the Dave Matthews Band concert at Wrigley field that surprisingly had Jason Maraz open for him! On this same day I found out how little skills I possess at ice skating and got a crash course in some more good food. One of my favorite parts was just walking around the city and being in constant awe of the urban beauty. I love architecture and fond the vastness strongly inviting.
I experience my first professional baseball game, and laughed my way through a SNL comedy show at second city. I thought Portland has a pretty skyline until I got a view from the top of the John Hancock building. It amazes me how peaceful the city looks from up above. You can see the lights and fait outline of cars bustling down below on the narrow streets but it is quiet and still at the same time. Looking down you realize how small you really are in the midst of millions. After this amazing view I got a treat and someone took me out for my favorite food, sushi!
Each morning I had the pleasure of waking up to a delicious breakfast and was surprised with how fast the time seemed to go by.
At Navy Pier the next day I got pulled on stage to help in a magic show, ate some famous Chicago popcorn, and lost a bet after a intense round of put put golf. One of the best views I found was from the Ferris wheel where I snapped some great pictures over the cold water of lake Michigan. After walking along the pier and getting blown around by Chicago’s famous wind I got to watch a hockey scrimmage. Although I hate the cold, and it was in an ice rink I wouldn’t have wanted to be anywhere else. It was a perfect last night to wrap up an unexpected few days.
Upon leaving I felt incredibly sad to say goodbye to a place I was just starting to get used to. Reality set in as I boarded the place to go 2,100 miles back to Portland. Sleep deprived and running on popcorn and cheese omelets
I realized the irony that second chances have has in my life this past year. Whether it’s school, work, family, or relationships you must be open to restart and five grace to a situation. When you do it makes you realize that you very well might get hurt in the process. You can choose to be like me and run whenever you feel yourself becoming vulnerable or you can experience the beauty that a new start could bring you.
Through this trip I saw the value in allowing yourself to take a chance, forgive, and start over. When you let the past be the past and look towards the future it brings freedom. It doesn’t grantee that you wont get hurt but for me in this case the reward is very much well worth the risk.