Firsts.

First place.

First words.

First steps.

First day of school.

We live in a world where we celebrate the firsts. Writing them down in a baby book or posting on Instagram, a mother marks the days of her baby’s firsts. We strive for first place in races, contests, and games. Coaches, parents, and players will do anything to win - cheating, bending the rules, and pushing their bodies to the limit. We believe Ricky Bobby when he says, “If you’re not first, you’re last!”

Recently, my family visited Santo Domingo, Republica Dominicana. Our goal was to explore the capital city of our new country, spend time with friends, and learn a little Dominican history. Playing tourist, we visited three firsts of the New World. (Santo Domingo boasts 5 firsts.) The first hospital, the first street, and the first monastery were all built in Santo Domingo by the early Spanish explorers. In 1496, Bartholomew Columbus, brother of Christopher Columbus, founded Santo Domingo as the capital of the first Spanish colony. Part of their settling process included bringing western institutions and infrastructure to their new colony. We could physically touch these firsts and stood in awe of their existence and importance. However, the truth is that I kept thinking about the second hospital, street, and monastery.

Hospital of St. Nicolas of Bari

The first hospital, constructed in 1503-1508, is indeed an important building that served an invaluable purpose. The structure itself remains impressive and what an honor to walk among where countless others have walked. The design and location in the city illustrate a clear understanding of the importance of a hospital. But, what about the second hospital built in the new world? It is no less important. It treated and saved the sick and dying just as the first one did. What if the men of this new colony had been afraid to fail and not meet the expectations of the first? What lessons did they learn from the first one as they designed and operated the second hospital? I imagine if I entered the second hospital, I wouldn’t care that it wasn’t the first. I would only care that they could help me. What if I lived every day not striving to be first, but I strove to learn from those who went before me. What if I choose to be more attentive and make better choices than the one that finished first. Second may not receive a plaque and become a tourist location, but the second hospital achieved success and fulfilled its purpose. Striving. Learning. Choosing.

Calle Las Damas

The first street was created in 1502 as a primary path for commerce and social interactions. The ladies in waiting for Doña Maria de Toledo, wife of Diego Columbus, took strolls along this street. Building over time, the street grew little by little. How many steps did they travel on this street? Often times when a new path is laid before me I hesitate to take my first steps. I am paralyzed by fear or insecurity, but ultimately I take a step of faith. I celebrate. But the truth is that the second, third, and subsequent steps are just as hard. In some ways, they are harder because I begin to realize the path is exhausting and difficult. Every moment I must choose to continue down that path because the ultimate goal is to finish - not to be the first one. What if I celebrate every step and not just that first one? What if I willingly strolled with intention and purpose down the path before me? Each step is important and leading me toward fulfilling the works God has prepared for me. I will step into those works, those purposes. Stepping. Moving. Choosing.

Monasterio de San Francisco

The first monastery of the New World was built between 1509-1560. The early Spanish settlers knew that faith would play an integral part in the new colony. Men dedicated their entire lives to serving God. History shows us that some of these men compromised their calling and commitment because of greed and power. As I peered though the gate, I thought about the men who walked inside of that monastery. I reflected upon my disenchantment of the men and women who lead church. The failed expectations, disappointing actions, and inconsistencies in behavior. Hypocrisy. Standing on the steps, I was reminded that those in the 16th century and church leaders now are all broken individuals. Sinners. Like me, they are not perfect and will disappoint those who expect them to be perfect. At 18 years old, I walked into my first church as an adult with my sweet boyfriend (present hubs) and throughout the years experienced many firsts within the church structure. The truth is that I didn’t fall in love with Jesus in those first moments. My love for Jesus and God’s Word came through the hours of reading, journaling, and praying. Gathering together with believers while doing life, my faith became stronger, more mature. The time spent preparing and writing Bible lessons is where I found Jesus. Those moments provided me with opportunity to grow. Those moments did not fail to meet my expectations - they exceeded anything I could have dreamt of when I first walked into that first church building. What if I extended grace to those who have disappointed me? What if I zoomed out and kept the big perspective in view? What if I choose to be thankful for the dozens of beautiful second moments? Extending. Keeping. Choosing.

Learning from those who went before me.

Stepping intentionally day after day.

Remembering where the sweet moments are made.

Lean in close and hear this truth. First is first. But second means that you made a choice to finish strong and not give up. First place may receive a ribbon, and the winner will hold up their trophy and give an acceptance speech. Second place may not be remembered or memorialized in history. But for me, seconds illustrate endurance, perseverance, and courage.

Will you embrace second? I shout SECOND is AMAZING because as always, it starts with me.