Yellow brick road

Living on one's own in a city where you don't know more than a handful of people can be rather lonely at times. During college (and this is something I took for granted before now) there were so many like-minded people your age at your fingertips. For four years no matter which way you turned there was someone there willing to form a friendship. Now, however, it seems the friendship path is a bit dusty and overgrown making it hard to follow. I never really gave much thought as to how people made friends because friends had always been so readily available in school. These days, though, I am constantly asking, "Just how do people do it?" I type this as I close another Friday night in my apartment by myself. Ahh, to long for the days of college...

In hindsight

Too many things comes crashing
                 down,
                        down,
                              down
And the tears
                 fall,
                        fall,
                                fall.

A dear friend's father passed away this morning. I've found myself overwhelmed from work and unable to lock-up my emotions. I mourn for the loss of a father, husband, friend, what could have been, and what will never be. I sigh in an attempt to calm my nerves and in hopes of catching a second wind as the school year grows ever more demanding.

I pray you find yourself resting in the peace of the Lord all your days.

Sincerity

It's funny how a few short words can drown out all others. "How are you?"--such a simple question. Most days we rush through and automatically respond to a "hello" with a "how are you," but don't actually pause to hear the answer. I fall victim to this many times. Today, however, I was asked this question and there was such sincerity in the asker's voice that I was taken aback. He truly wanted to know how I was doing. He showed genuine concern; I can only hope to portray those same emotions in my asking.

Eye Openers

I love watching my 3rd graders and catching glimpses of who they'll turn out to be. Take quiet, harmless John: I caught him nudging the girl in front of him with the corner of his book, trying to get her attention; he's a ladies' man in the making. My little Stefan had to leave the rocker and continue reading at his desk because he was bothering those around him during silent reading. As he sat in his seat he got a little teary-eyed because he couldn't sit in the rocker anymore; he'll be a simpleton-always looking for the little joys in life. As for me, I catch myself constantly thinking that I love my job and have an overpowering feeling of contentment in my heart. I love these kids, good days and bad. This is where I belong-in the classroom. God's intentions for our lives can be seen all around; we just have to open our eyes.

Candy Mountain, Charlie

It's been a while since I posted. Quite frankly, life got busy and I just didn't have inspiration. However, a recent trip to a dear friend's wedding hit the spot.

From 7.27.12
I am currently 33,000 ft above the ground on my way to Chi-town. As I stare out my window onto the setting sun, I can't help but be in awe of the view. Flying never ceases to amaze me. A blanket of clouds spreads out along the skyline. An ongoing portrait of God's majesty. I find it amusing that the clouds in the sky mimic the mountains below.