Why do I write? I feel connected to people and my thoughts and inspiration when I send a card, email, or write a blog. I have not activated my phone other than to face-time with family so no calls is quite a change from a busy real estate career. So many ways to communicate, even the grand Christmas card gesture on Facebook is appreciated. I was told today that at Wiler (Vee-lar), they have never had a student send so many notes. I have borrowed the campus return stamp many times because this is a long address. I don’t know why compliments/breaking records are hard for me because I probably have an average amount of self-esteem but I am reporting this mention by the office here because it is a tribute to how wonderful YOU are. I love my people! If you are reading this and I have not gotten to your part of the alphabet yet, it is because the past three months have been so busy. I am tired and agree that youth is spent on the young and a little extra “juice” at this season might be nice. I always think God has good ideas though so there must be a reason. Especially this week. Our outreach team is leaving in a few days and here, at the base, there are beginning year meetings. We students have been cooking, serving, and washing, for the people who usually serve us. I must even look tired (so much cloudiness/fog here in winter) or at least paler than usual because someone asked me to take a little break today. I usually argue and tough it out but I agreed and took a little break. I’m washing cloths to pack (feels like a break to me) and feeling like this next change is best. I’m ready to shift from “knowing God” to “making Him known”. However, three months of rapid-fire teaching needs some processing. When you focus on God from morning ’til night for 90 days you change. I am not the same and I don’t mean the tired stuff. Listening to God takes time and quiet time. Who has that on a regular basis? Not me. I have been in the world and tried not to be of the world but it happened to me. It happens to us all. Life has been rapid-fire with surprises, joys, and sorrows. We are a tapestry that is being woven and only God is above time overseeing the next color or stitch. I am stuck in a loom. So I am in my room, taking a break before I head back to the kitchen, appreciating this opportunity and the people who have encouraged me to serve God until my gifts are used up. It feels like today is that day because serving is tiring. Mother Teresa is in Heaven now but she is considered a saint because she spent her life personifying an ideal: to love God, and to love one’s neighbor. Let’s figure out what that means for each one of us who believe in Jesus and will not accept the world’s lie that there are many ways to God. Nope – nada.
