the citgo on 28th street

each morning before work I grab a Celsius and a 42G protein shake from the gas station

[not currently seeking financial advice]

I was born & raised in the Midwest so there is something thrilling about a gas station adventure

miles of walking for a slushee with my sisters

late summer nights grabbing a chaser before heading to a high school party

a few days ago a couple in front of me was checking out, buying cigarettes and swishers

I held in my hand an orange Celsius and those Quest protein peanut butter cups

I noticed the stains on their clothes and the intoxicated way they moved

I was conscious of the differences between the realities of our days, our paths in life

I didn’t pass any judgements, rather I reflected

here we are, all of us, in this very same place

how did we get here?

if I had made different choices a year ago, would I still be here?

oftentimes I wonder that. I am certain I am leaning into God’s plan for me now but

for a long time I was not…

so has his plan remained the same? are we to plan B? C, perhaps?

I wonder about free will and how many more choices I have left in life

millions, without a doubt

I pray I continue to make good choices

I pray I continue to remain present… to notice, to reflect, to feel grateful