Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwiches
What is it about being away from our earthly home that makes our spirits adventuresome? When I was in Africa I ate peanut butter and banana sandwiches almost everyday and here I find myself doing the same thing. Ok, so maybe that example wasn't so adventuresome, but I'm sure you know the feeling. Ever since I've been here I've had this great desire to hike, climb, be outside, exercise, and eat well. I've joined the tramping (hiking) club and the climbing club, both of which are taking multiple trips throughout the semester that I hope to go on at least a few. My love for reading has come back in full force and I deeply enjoy diving into a good book (any suggestions are very welcome). I enjoy writing here and find new meaning in the Bible and in time spent with others. The wind is fierce, but it only intensifies the presence of God surrounding me and in the midst of life. It's amazing being in a place where ocean and mountain meet, where the coast line is so dramatic with its clear, blue waters and its open rock faces that to not see a creator is almost more difficult than to submit yourself to a higher power.
I've struggled recently with loving one of my roommates. It's a new experience living with boys, one which I don't care to do again (besides marriage, but it could take a while to find someone willing to deal with my craziness (: ). You know those people that just missed the social skills class? Yeah, he's one of those- the follow you around, do everything that gets on your nerves, points out every time you're wrong or say something unintelligent kinda person. I've struggled because recently I've been in Matthew and other areas talking about being set apart because we follow Christ. He gets on everyone's nerves, so how am I set apart if he annoys me too? But I've realized that herein lies a chance to die. You know how we're told to carry our cross and die to ourselves and our desires? Well, unless you're given the ability to die to yourself we cannot, but "see in this"- this provoking, this rebuke that should not have been- "a chance to die." We should welcome anything that calls us to this position in life, "I have been crucified with Christ.." (Gal 2:20).
Things are going well. I'm skipping my first class today to go find some brown sandals (it's a necessity) and check out the Kathmandu clearance sale. It's vital to life, believe me. :) I got my first package from home today, which brightened my whole week. I'm going spelunking this weekend (caving), so I'm excited about using my cool new headlamp Alan gave me. Ephesians 3:14-21. Take luck and care (a little Bryan Reagan, thank you Alan)
I've struggled recently with loving one of my roommates. It's a new experience living with boys, one which I don't care to do again (besides marriage, but it could take a while to find someone willing to deal with my craziness (: ). You know those people that just missed the social skills class? Yeah, he's one of those- the follow you around, do everything that gets on your nerves, points out every time you're wrong or say something unintelligent kinda person. I've struggled because recently I've been in Matthew and other areas talking about being set apart because we follow Christ. He gets on everyone's nerves, so how am I set apart if he annoys me too? But I've realized that herein lies a chance to die. You know how we're told to carry our cross and die to ourselves and our desires? Well, unless you're given the ability to die to yourself we cannot, but "see in this"- this provoking, this rebuke that should not have been- "a chance to die." We should welcome anything that calls us to this position in life, "I have been crucified with Christ.." (Gal 2:20).
Things are going well. I'm skipping my first class today to go find some brown sandals (it's a necessity) and check out the Kathmandu clearance sale. It's vital to life, believe me. :) I got my first package from home today, which brightened my whole week. I'm going spelunking this weekend (caving), so I'm excited about using my cool new headlamp Alan gave me. Ephesians 3:14-21. Take luck and care (a little Bryan Reagan, thank you Alan)
