Rest

Half-way through a semester with 8 am classes four days a week, I am currently relishing the ability to sleep in during spring break.  As I take my time getting out of bed in the morning, I am reminded of the time in January when I wished to stay in bed a bit longer...

I had arrived in Greece less than 48 hours before, and we had a full day of touring the city ahead.  A few of my overly ambitious travel companions got up for their morning run around the city.  Meanwhile, I pulled myself out of bed (barely) and made my way into the hotel hallway to meet with a two like-minded travel companions who preferred walking over running.  We made our way out into the quiet streets of Athens and started walking towards Mars Hill.  We passed stray dogs scrounging for breakfast, street cleaners still tidying up yesterday's mess, construction workers beginning their day's work, and a few Orthodox churches with worshipers inside listening to the pre-dawn liturgy.  We mounted the hill as the sun began to turn the grey clouds into an array of vibrant colors.  The birds sang the morning song and shortly thereafter the bells of the churches began to ring out across the city.  One of my companions accurately entitled the moment as 'the battle of the bells.' We sat in a state of awe observing the Sunday dawn for twenty minutes then headed back to our hotel to join the rest of our group for breakfast.

I had wished to stay in bed that very morning to enjoy an extra hour of sleep.  Knowing that a busy day laid ahead, I thought I needed the rest.  I've never regretted losing that hour of sleep though for that hill top experience, for that experience provided with a sense of rest that an extra hour of sleep could never match.  

Where does one's soul find rest?  

Matthew 11:28

The Influence of Hebrew ...

I went to the eye doctor yesterday and when it came time to read the chart of English letters, I read it from right to left.  I didn't realize what I had done until the doctor started laughing and called me a diagnosed dyslexic.  Fortunately, he knew enough about Hebrew to understand why I made the mistake when I mentioned I study Hebrew, which is read from right to left.

Slow Down

If you asked my housemates when I got home whether or not I was taking things slow, the answer most assuredly would have been 'no.'  On the way home from school, I felt the urge to take the next few moments slowly.  I took it slowly enough to get this picture of the beginning of the sunset, reflected in a muddy pothole.  

The sky kept turning more vibrant as I entered through my home's front door.  I slung off my backpack and ran into the back yard, yelling at those who were being studious to come join in the marvel.  They laughed as I pranced about the yard for the next ten minutes, arms lifted high in praise.  What more can one do when met with such beauty?  

Despite the lack of physical slowness in those precious moments, I was still slow.  I was not ignoring the moment for the sake of preparing for the next, nor was I oblivious to the present as if I were still caught in the past.  As I praised God in that moment, I thought of what had past and what may lie ahead, but both within the context and full awareness of the present moment.  

This week, the question of how to balance pondering the present, future, and past, has been on my mind.  Tonight I received a partial answer: slow down.  Slow down and take in the present moment.  Use the sights and sounds, smells and feels, as stimuli to help you process and pray.  

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Empty Cup

Graduation: 1) A terrifying word to several of my friends as we sit less than three months away from donning the cap and gown 2) A signal of transition, both a time to reflect on the past experience and a time to look forward to the next adventures.

Like this perfectly made latte, my time as an undergraduate won't last forever.  As graduation draws nearer by the hour, I find myself longing for more time here, just as I wished for more coffee in the cup this afternoon.  After the coffee came a walk in the park, another wonderful experience, yet unique from the coffee that came before it.  Pondering what it looks like on a bigger scale to move through phases of life while appreciating the distinct joy each stage has to offer.

Friday Afternoon Reflections

What comes tomorrow?
The sun is out and so is school, for the day at least.
Tomorrow brings rain and homework, both of which I actually enjoy.
However the knowledge of what is coming influences how I live my life this afternoon.
What comes tomorrow?  A simple question, yet one that can change how we live today.

This week I presented in one of my classes on 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11.  As I prepared to present, I was struck by how Paul grounded his commands to the Thessalonians throughout the book in light of the second coming of Christ.  What would it look like to live my life in light of Jesus second coming?

Due to the predicted weather forecast, I made a point to get outside today and enjoy a moment in the outdoors.  I spent the afternoon hours intentionally, possibly more so than I would have had I not known the weather forecast.  Am I intentional about how I live now, in light of Jesus return?  May I answer with my actions more than my words.

Τις

In Berea, where Paul once walked, stands a mosaic, gleaming in the winter’s sun.

The tiny stones depict scenes from his life, including his ministry there.

One particular Berean in the mosaic sits, attentively listening to all Paul is saying.

Balancing the ink pot on his lap, his hands are read to take notes.

Only one word has been written thus far on his scroll, 

The simple word τις, Greek for ‘who?’

Who is this God of whom Paul speaks?

Depicted in frescos and mosaics in churches old and new, 

The One who created the mountains and seas, sun and moon.

Not even the Parthenon could contain Him,

Nor a grace even as grand as Philip the II’s,

For He is not dead, nor can He be tamed by man.

He enables us to rejoice in His greatness.

He grants us safety, fellowship, and above all love.

At the same time He lets our hearts break along with His, as others suffer from senseless violence and tragedy.  

He is the source of our ability to love, which we can do more and more as we live into His love.

Who is God?

As I wander through Greece this question persists.

The Berean offers me an invitation to sit with him, journal and pen at the ready, and listen, or rather read, the words of Paul.  

Reflecting

Hugging my brother goodbye as he sets off to fulfill his childhood dream.

I wonder, what even were my childhood dreams?

Somehow going to Greece was never a part of them.

If only I had known.

To spend three weeks with a group who was mostly unknown to me,

To grow together as a family in Christ, where one knows the other and dares to be known.

To journey along the coast and through the mountains, sampling the local cuisine,

To be moved by ancient sites, Byzantine churches, and rugged landscape,

To feel a sense of constant worship,

Though quite possibly to the tune of Sweet Caroline…

I am free falling…

Falling into a realization of what it looks like to love God in every moment and say with certainty that He is good.

Falling in love with Christian community, where moments of laughter and deep reflection intermingle freely.

Falling into the wondrous awareness, that God took my childhood dreams and put them aside, saying just wait and see, my child, keep pursuing me in all things, and I will set a path before thee.