just a few random thoughts...

I saw a sign today outside the dining room explaining that if we lose our fobs (the devices on which our meals are counted...) they won't let us into the cafeteria. Our options are either to go to facilities to get a new one ($10) or pay for our meal (roughly $6-$8). Under that someone wrote in pen "OR STARVE." and I've been thinking about how I use words. I tend to exaggerate and use somewhat extreme language at times. But, I think doing so does our words a diservice. I'm more convinced every day that our words hold so much power. Power to encourage, to fight, to tear down, to instruct, to enlighten, the list goes on. When I say I starve because I miss a meal, in a sense, it feels to me, like I belittle the severity of the word as it applies to those who actually have no eaten anything for days. I'm trying to be careful with my words.

I've also been thinking about the beauty and grace portrayed in love and trust. I was sitting at Joe's yesterday reading when two people walked in. I think they are both new here this semester. The girl is blind and was being led by a guy. I learned today that they didn't know each other before. I don't know the nature of their relationship but I think they're just friends. He took her arm and guided her and she trusted him completely. There is so much sacrifice on his part. His willingness to adjust his schedule is breathtaking to me (he escorts her most places during the day). Her trust is him is likewise beautiful. I want to love sacrificially, to put the needs of others above my own. I want to trust like that.

On a semi-less reflective and serious note, I'm going ice skating for the first time ever this afternoon! Katie and I are going. I'm really excited! The sun is shining too (a rarity for Chicago in the winter)!

Along the Road

Dr. Schmutzer quoted this poem when we met for our directed study discussion today. Its one that I read along time ago and loved but haven't visited for a while.

Along the Road
by Robert Browning Hamilton

I walked a mile with Pleasure,
She chattered all the way;
But left me none the wiser,
For all she had to say.
I walked a mile with Sorrow
And ne'er a word said she;
But, oh, the things I learned from her
When Sorrow walked with me!

one week down...

and 15 to go! :)
The first week of classes is almost up! I have a pretty great schedule; I'm done by noon or 12:15 everyday! The classes I'm taking are phenomenal! I'm really excited!!! Each class I go to I come away and mull over things for the rest of the day. What really thrills me is how much everything overlaps. There are distinct threads that carry through all of my classes. I love that. And the threads are things that I am most passionate about. It makes me look forward to years down the road when I will be able to look back and see how God used the perspectives and classes to orchestrate and direct my path.
Its going to be a really busy semester with a lot of books to read and papers to write all the time. But its so great.

School has only been back in session for a week though I have been here for a few. Already, though, it seems like life is piling up and colliding so quickly. Part of it excites me and part of it, in a way, breaks me. Breaks my heart and increases the yearning of my soul for the Lord and for the day when He redeems our brokenness.