Back to School...

Back to Reality.

Time waits for no one. It moves at its own determined pace; though predictably understood, I still sometimes wish it would pass slower during those enjoyable days and moments, or quicker during an experience I'd like to get over with. Still, it does as it pleases and January 14th comes (and will go, just like the past 356 days). Since our days are bound by time, that's the reality of life. I've accepted it, but just because I've accepted it doesn't mean I have to like the reality of it. Ha.

My full time work recommences tomorrow after a three week break. I'm looking forward to getting back to the grind with renewed perspective but also lamenting the time 'off' from my mind being 'on' all the time, ifyouknowwhati'mtalkinbout. I'm trying not to count the days until Teacher Convention and Spring Break, but praying that the Lord will give me passion, strength, and wisdom to teach, live, learn, worship, and witness with joy between now and then.

It's all making sense.

That's what I say when I (start to) see things clearly and with greater perspective. All of it - the good, the bad, the ugly - is to some greater end. And I may come to understand that end completely, somewhat, or may never understand it to my satisfaction. The "sense" in it all lies in both the humble acceptance of what was, what is, and what will be and in the quiet trust and surrender to God.

So, it's all making sense.

The life of The Miserable

Our little M spent New Years at her grandparents house so Dale and I were able to get some much missed shut eye for a night. It was grand. We slept in until 9:30 (which hasn't happened since M was born); but the beauty of it was the uninterruption. For the past 7 weeks we have had the crappiest sleep since she was a newborn, for different reasons obviously (teething, separation anxiety, etc). Every night she has woken up multiple times crying for us to sleep in her room with her, and every night she has not been able fall asleep unless we are in view. Thankfully, we have gone from lying on the floor beside her bed to sitting outside her bedroom. We had hoped the night "off" from us would break her streak of bad sleep. Nope. Nothing's changed. Dale is sitting outside her door as I type.

My anecdote has little to do with the title of my post (I am fortunate enough that my life has seen little to no misery thus far); only insofar as M's stay with my parents also allotted us a matinee showing of "Les Miserable." Firstly, if you haven't yet seen it, you should watch it. The acting is amazing and the melodies are awesome. Granted it's a musical and the players onscreen are foremost actors, but they do a pretty decent, if not superb, job at combining the two skillfully and convincingly. [Sidenote: Adam Lambert wouldn't have a chance!] But what I most appreciated was the storyline and dialogue (lyrics). If there's one thing to know about me, it's that I love stories that contain character depth; art that imitates the reality of life in the past or present and the inner conflicts that go along with life's struggle. I tried to imagine myself feeling the injustice and poverty felt by many of the characters, and the questioning of God's mercy amidst the pain and sorrow. Redemption and forgiveness, as well as war and revolution were well-developed themes that resonated with me throughout the film. Honestly, never have I appreciated the revolutionaries of the past who fought for a (seemingly at times, futile) cause that allows me today to experience freedom in the country I live in. November 11th has become more meaningful, thanks to this film. Anyhow, obviously the calibre of singing wasn't broadway, but for what it was it was impressive. Russell Crowe was a disappointing Javert, but otherwise I was blown away.

Again, if you haven't yet seen it make sure to put it on your list of films to watch.

Less of Me in 2013

This year's (or more accurately, if I think about it, my life from this point on's) resolve, which I plan to take one day at a time considering the longevity of this task, is to decrease and allow Christ in me to increase. Why the increase of Christ in me and not more virtuous behavior, you ask? Because simply trying to be more kind or more generous or more loving won't stick for very long if the source of that virtue is merely my human goodness. I've tried. And have seen my pride get in the way time and again. The return of Jesus, or God taking me home, is imminent and can occur at any moment. It's time for a radical change. And a passionate, unsettling, zealous commitment to make "less of me" a reality this year, by God's grace and only through the Spirit's might.

Hold me to it, friends. I hope and pray that by the end of 2013, my life would have been an increasing testament to the kingship of Jesus Christ: the Creator and sustainer of all life, my Savior and God.