| Ich bin... |
| [Tana]. Child of God. Teacher. Youth leader. Music-minded. Blessed.
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| Ich liebe... |
[Jesus]. My Family. My Church. P & W. Mission Trips. Music. Prayer. Traveling. Writing. Drama. Sunshine. Languages. Photography. Badminton. Nature. Snail Mail. Fruit. Green. Simplicity. Listening.
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| 10 November 2003 |
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the other day i was just stating that it’s so uplifting to hear positive news from and about those who have been a part of (thus, somehow influenced) my growing up years…the seemingly endless phase of paranoia in all realms – of scarring skin blemishes, wearing outdated and unfashionable items, being seen in public with parents, being looked at / looking too long at someone, making a bad first impression, being a klutz, etc. even in junior high, with the ‘hormones raging’, immaturity, ‘rebellions’ and dramatic mood swings, it was all so innocent and simple.
some sad irony – while many go far and accomplish much that inspires, there are those who take a turn for the worse. a friend of mine from those years is enjoying an international voyage a LITTLE too much, even feeling pride about all the ‘lifetime firsts’. even with full knowledge that people change over time, this friend has always been at the top of my list of individuals who are least likely to turn out this way. there’s a clear distinction between experimenting and experiencing, if only that regret should not comprise the majority of your reflection later on in life.
i feel shocked, disappointed and heartbroken upon hearing this news. what happened to self-restraint and common sense? my first impulse, confrontation, is impossible with the long distance, and this situation is far beyond my own control. there is a compulsion to go before Him and seek healing and a directional change for my friend. my eyes have been pulled open further to the lostness that consumes and controls those without genuine direction or meaning resulting from life in Him alone.
”For nothing is impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37)
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the past weekend was a fabulously busy yet relaxing break from the usual:
Friday
an evening well-spent at DTH with some friends from fellowship and elsewhere recalled memories of childhood board game frenzy, and also allowed for much laughter and sharing. no deadlines to keep, no set agenda, no inhibitions...just friends without a trace of liquid poison, brought together because of His timing. the original plan was bowling/pool beforehand, but the wait was too long and by no surprise, circumstances worked out for the better. we must do this again soon :)
Saturday
work in the morning hours was far from stressful or laboring, as we took the group indoor skating. the first hour or so saw everyone 'warming up', with much clinging to boards and the closest hand. one of the rink's instructors patiently gave lessons to all who required them, and even brought out stuffed toys and stickers, to the children's delight. eventually walkers were located, which shifted MC, KL, SS and my duties slightly. transport both to and from the arena was via a rented school bus, which initially seemed massive to a 13-member cluster. once again, i'm thankful for the chance to do what i enjoy.
afterwards, i was at AMM's place until early evening. i chatted with some of her friends and also watched the very beginning of "finding nemo" then hastily enjoyed a delicious dinner prepared by her family.
then it was off to the compassion canada '40 years of changing lives' tour where we heard powerful stories of hope emerging from poverty, due to child sponsorship and the opportunity to know His love personally.
Sunday
immediately after church it was off to ESM's for CMM's belated birthday lunch. AC and i had fun with MDD's overpriced little clicker. of course there were plenty of laughs and also a discussion about taking a stand for Him where it matters most.
then, CL (the younger one...see paragraph below), KW and i Christmas-surprise shopped in seemingly no time at all and on the drive home, we gabbed about integrity and maturity, and the lessons learned from those who seem to lack it more than others.
i spent the evening with CL (the elder one, just as sweet) and GH (another sister with a caring, comic sense - i'm blessed to know you!) exchanging anecdotes, observations and insights, and laughing till we nearly cried. sampling various 'unknowns' at fursako was also an adventure.
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| posted by simplejoys @ 11:57
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