Eid Mubarak

It is Eid, alhamdulila!  For the first time in my five years as a Muslim, I did not wish the holiday to come too quickly - I really enjoyed Ramadan, fasting, reading, writing, and my fellowship with many of you.  I am so blessed this year, and I am very thankful to God and my Muslim community.  In most years, I suppose I would be very down about my present circumstances, but not this year.  I have been refocused on my blessings, and they are many!

It may sound suspicious and strange, but I have really made some great strides these past thirty days, maybe even some life changes. I move through my days as a Muslim man now, not only thinking about my conduct, but enjoying the feeling I have as I treat myself and others with respect. I don't feel self-righteous, nor do I compare myself with others - I simply feel good in my own skin for the first time in my life.  I don't feel the need to boast about my new condition, but I do enjoy the few discussions I have with others who are genuinely interested in my faith.  

This Eid is so much more than the culmination of a holy month for me this year. It is the turning point of my life - there have been so many transitions lately, and my faith has brought things together for me.  I am no longer chasing anything, nor am I running from anything else.  I will be happy and grateful no matter where I am, and I pray that Allah keeps or puts me into the right environment to capitalize on my talents and passions.  I can make a difference anywhere, and I will with His grace.

I am smiling now, knowing how slow I am sometimes.  I am thinking about the happiness in my heart, and how so many Muslims have know this for their lifetimes, how every Eid is so profound and joyous, and how I can look forward to such things for the rest of my life.  Now that I have the same things in my heart, I can't wait for Ramadan next year, can't wait to share this with my Muslim brothers and sisters!