Three Things I Strive to Be

By Rob W. Oakley

-----Sometimes I wonder why the moon is new where the stars are shooting to when they're shooting through the skies. There are wondrous things that I would like to know like how they make the winds and turn the tides and then I wonder why I wonder so.

~Hubie: from the Pebble and Penguin

-----There are many of you who may not be the greatest fans of Disney but I grew up with several of these films one of them being the Pebble and the Penguin. The protagonist of this story is Hubie which is struggling to find that perfect pebble for the love of his life, Marina. Hubie is shy and always hesitant in letting Marina know how he truly feels but also conflicted with the intimidating antagonist Drake who wants the dazzling Marina only for a trophy. Realizing toward the climax of this colorful tale, Hubie comes to terms that Marina truly loves him back and that she rather have the penguin he truly is than a silly materialistic pebble. Mustering incredible strength through his many trials, Hubie finds his way back to defeat the horrible Drake and live happily ever after. At times I feel very much like Hubie but on many scales. Incline your ears to hear my story which I can assure the depth will wax your minds to a better understanding of who I am and what I stand for. Bright fame is my name, a wagon maker is the meaning of my middle, and an oak tree meadow defines the last—[my name is Robert Wayne Oakley and these three things I strive to be: kind, fun-loving, and passionate.]

-----Hubie, although very timid, was very kind hearted to everything and everyone that surrounded him. There’s never a time where I don’t considered the feelings of my family and friends. Kindness many would define as simply being nice to others or doing good deeds; on the contrary, Kindheartedness reveals to me a much deeper meaning. Compassionate ways of thinking, a considerate mindset, and selflessness must embed their worth to the mind if any is to consider doing unto others as they would have done unto them—this defines my outlook of true kindness. I aspire to be kind to my family: kind to my parents, siblings, and distant relations. Whenever in need of someone to talk to, whenever in need of someone to listen, whenever in need of anything—I’ll do my best to be there for my family and friends. I take to heart the many teachings of my family and friends and Savior Jesus Christ. I am a firm believer in the sacrifice of God’s one and only son who He sent to die for our sins which was much more than an act of kindness. It is written, “That all have come short to the glory of God but who so ever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” By the many teachings of my Parents, the experiences I’ve had with my family, being the eldest of six, and by dwelling in the words of the Lord I have leaned the importance of being responsible, obedient, and kind, as well as, playful.

HUBIE: Sometimes I wonder if there'll ever be someone right for me, someone who may wonder too who's wonderful Like y-y-y-y-I don't know. Like y-y-y--you must be bored to tears with all this wacky nonsense.

MARINA: Oh, no! I don't think its nonsense at all even if you are a bit wacky.

-----Hubie’s most remarkable characteristic trend is his stutter. Although I don’t stutter aloud, I feel that I do sometimes inside, but any chance I get to unwind, have fun, and enjoy life I waver the thought of having to worry about what I’m going to say and try to make the best of times. I may not be the heart of the party (which is the way I prefer it) I do my b-b-b-best to make those that surround me interested and happy. If I can get them to smile at a worthy cause and not to make them chuckle due to some embarrassment or vain jangling, I’ve completed my task of (hopefully) remarkable joy. It brings me great pleasure to be merry with the ones I love which inspires me to one day be a loving husband and Father. I admire little children because they constantly remind me to have childlike faith and always gaze upon the world God has made with wonder. I hope to one day raise a family of my own, a family dedicated to the Lord and each other. This leads me to share my passionate desires.

-----Clumsy, apprehensive, but passionate—Hubie didn’t have many talents but knew his place and wasn’t going to let anything stand in the way of his dreams much like his comrade Rocco the Rock hopper. Rocco wanted to fly but as everyone knows, penguins can’t fly! This wasn’t going to stop Hubie or Rocco from using their abilities to achieve their goals. Sometimes there are things we can’t achieve, certain task we are unable to perform but that doesn’t stop us from trying our best. The Lord has blessed me with many talents some of which are hobbies such as Graphic art and Photography. He has also blessed me with the gift of writing and leadership. I love to write and I feel that I was born to lead: only by the grace of God may I use these gifts for His glory! God has created man in His image; likewise, man has a longing to create. Although man’s inspiration and originality is dependent on the creator, God wants us to glorify Him through our artistic ability which is one of my passionate desires. To write, to paint, to shoot, to direct all for the glory of God—these are only a few things I long to do. Through my God ordained vision which He reveals more and more to me each day do I long to lead and direct understanding that a good leader is a good servant, responsible, and wise. It is my goal to write inspiring stories that reveal the wonder of the Lord and to one day direct films that will touch millions of lives. Above all else, however, I want to be a man who follows God and performs His great works, a man of God in my home, and around my friends—the people I love.

-----At times, many would call me a perfectionist a name which I resent greatly; however, it is the truth and probably one of my greatest weaknesses. Although I aspire to be kind hearted, fun-loving, and passionate about a great many things, I am far from perfect. I know I will fall and falter but I also realize that this is simply part of the growing process. When I do stumble, I pray for wisdom for it is written, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask it of God who gives it to all many liberally.” And I also pray for forgiveness from God and those whom I failed. It brings me great comfort to know that my family and friends are there to catch me when I crash and it brings me abounding joy to return the favor by being kind, fun-loving, and passionate.