Beginnings

There's an air about him.

It's nothing tangible. He's the same person; his words and actions are consistent with who I know him to be.

But little things tug at the corners of my mind and make it noticeable: his smiles come easier; his eyes are brighter; there's a confidence and energy in his actions that wasn't there before.

He's buzzing with the high; he's loving life; he feels invincible and nothing can touch this newfound happiness. There's so much of it that it's spilling out.

No I know it's not love. It's just a baby, light-hearted and wide-eyed with naive hope. It has yet to experience pain. It hasn't paid the price of commitment and compromise, and it doesn't know the deeper, richer fulfilment of love.

But it's a start.

And for that, a part of me is genuinely happy for him, while the the other is envious of something I so desperately want but do not have.

Selfish.
Me

Inspired

So,

A while ago, I went to the Maddocks High Achievers' welcome dinner. (I'm so sure it was the result of an error in the system or God was pulling some strings. Ha.) Anywho, I felt super out of place and inadequate but I know I was put there for a reason.

Tim Costello, CEO of World Vision, made an inspiring speech about how the law is inherently supposed to be about social justice. Sure, you think about all the stereotypes of the legal industry: full of manipulative, money-hungry people who abuse their powers to take advantage of the vulnerable. But if you strip it all away, the law is a means of achieving justice.

He told this story that really hit home for me:

There are three children and a flute. 

The youngest child: "The flute should be mine. You guys have so many other toys already, whereas I have nothing else to play with. It's only fair that I get the flute."

The second child: "Um no. I'm the only one who can actually play the flute, so I should have it. I'd make the most use of the instrument; I'd be able to play music for everyone else to enjoy.

The oldest child: "Guys, please, I'm the one who made the flute with my own hands. I worked really hard for it. I owned the flute before you two came jumping in and claiming it as yours. It's mine.

Each child is fighting for a different form of justice. None of them are wrong. And it's interesting that different people will relate more to one particular view. Mr Costello said that the laws and policies that we have reflect the values which we (the majority anyway) deem as more important. It's a balancing act that changes over time. But at its root, its purpose is to achieve justice. 

So I decided that in whatever career path, I will strive to make ethical decisions and remember why I chose that particular pathway. 

Tim Costello also happened to speak at Citylife Church that weekend so I really felt like the whole thing was quite significant/meaningful for my life. 

I also emailed this super lame and cheesy as 'thank you' message that I didn't think I would get a response to. BUT IT DID. Which made my day. Ahahha.

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Hi Erica,

Thank you so much for taking the time to email Tim, he was thrilled that both his talk at Maddock’s and sermon at Citylife resonated.  It sounds like you are someone we will have to look out for in the future – passion coupled with conviction are an amazing force!

He asked me to wish you all the best for your future endeavours and remember to “Keep Hope Alive”.

All the best,

Marie-Anne (Rusty) Rustichelli

Assistant to Tim Costello – Chief Executive Officer

and Business Administration Manager
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Don't lose sight of the bigger picture. 

Me.