I’m in the Treehouse*, Sitting on Big Bear**. I’s raining outside, and wet drops have shown their failed attempts on the window. They aren't getting in.. A good cup of coffee in my new Pikes Peak mug is sitting next to me like a good friend, while Bethel and the Oh Hellos surround me. This morning I’m reflecting on goodness.
The last few weeks have been crazy. It’s been in these weeks that I’ve been learning a lot about what it means to experience the end of myself. Late nights in the library, endless papers and scrunched schedules either lead me in two directions; bitter frustration or a deep dependence on the Lord. I just love when it’s the second and not the first. And in light of parts of tough weeks, or as Rachel McQueen states; “Power Week(s) 2k15,” there have been quiet beacons shining through.
Last week a thought of bitterness towards school work was stifled by another quick behind it; I only have so long to experience this life of a student. I’ve recently accepted an intern position working in Eau Claire downtown for next semester, working with runaway and at-risk youth and families (HOLLA!). Which I’m excited for, but it also means that things will look differently from here on out. No longer just a student, I’ll be working at a real agency like a real working-man (as well as a confusing amount of school work…too?) ! I’m looking forward to this steady transition that I know will be here before I know it. It allows me, as someone who lives life in the moment, to soak in where I am, while trusting that what is next is good. I’m pumped for whatever that is.
But it is in the present, where I’ve noticed quiet beacons. These have been the moments that have required stillness to savor their significance. A cool theme of this week has been about getting to know Bridgman more and more.
I’ve savored a night of carving pumpkins with fellow Bridgmanites; and a night of way too many jokes about penguins.
I’ve savored a quick audible made in bible study night, leading to not a look at a passage, but a genuine update and chat on how each of our guys (and ourselves are doing).
I’ve savored Emily’s steady excitement about girls that she, Christy and Kelly are reaching out to. God is bringing a newness here.
I’ve savored getting to know folks I didn’t even know were on our floor, in the annual trip to Olive Garden.
I’ve savored a new desire that God has given to me to truly know the people in Bridgman.
I've savored the ways that the Treehouse is becoming a place of peace. It has been so cool to see how our room is becoming a haven of prayer of sorts, a safe place for tough times. Beans and I don't often feel qualified to sit with our friends in hurt, but it is something significant to be able to be a part of what God is doing.
I’ve savored Friday discipleship with Sam; talking through “redeeming sex,” the book of Matthew and life-giving things. There is such a delight in being led by the Lord to help others know him better. I’m excited that he wants a deeper relationship with God (woot!).
I’ve savored meetings with Logan. That man has so much wisdom, and he always seems to know which good questions to ask me. He also lets me talk a lot; which can be good too.
I’ve savored Savers runs with good friends, practicing Reservoir songs with Mattie, getting excited about International Social Work, and watching Hitchcock moves.
I’ve savored catching up with Yui this week; grabbing groceries, praying in the car, hearing about his life, and celebrating his birthday with friends.
I’ve savored the chance to invite a guy on our floor to swing-dancing with us; seeing him feel the welcome of good community. I wish everyone in the world could experience the joy of swing dancing I find in community. It’s one of the greats.
I’ve savored late-night reflections with Beans; last night we talked about the goodness that can be experienced in Christian community – something that I can almost take for granted, but something that is so impactful for people who haven’t experienced it before.
And as I sit and reflect on these, quiet beacons of sorts, I realize how easy it would have been for me to check off yesterday as a “great day” and move on. But instead, I’m glad to relish in the good gifts of a generous Father, and I am so dang thankful for his never-ending kindness to me.
Friends, what quiet beacons have you stopped to recognize this week? What gifts in people have you seen? What gifts in and of God? It is good to reflect.
I’ll leave you with one of my favorite quotes, which is something that I have been thinking a lot about, especially from what I learned at InterVarsity's CrossTraining last weekend. This except is from Come Away My Beloved, in Frances J. Roberts’ trusted words from the Lord:
As I have opened your eyes to see, so shall I open your ears to hear, and you shall come to know Me even as Moses did, yes in a face-to-face relationship. For I will remove the veil that separates me from you, and you will know me as your dearest friend and as your truest comforter.
foot//notes:
*where Beans (Ben) and I live. Aka Bridgman 433.
** a couch like non-other. Have you ever felt comforted and hugged so well by a non-living thing?
The last few weeks have been crazy. It’s been in these weeks that I’ve been learning a lot about what it means to experience the end of myself. Late nights in the library, endless papers and scrunched schedules either lead me in two directions; bitter frustration or a deep dependence on the Lord. I just love when it’s the second and not the first. And in light of parts of tough weeks, or as Rachel McQueen states; “Power Week(s) 2k15,” there have been quiet beacons shining through.
Last week a thought of bitterness towards school work was stifled by another quick behind it; I only have so long to experience this life of a student. I’ve recently accepted an intern position working in Eau Claire downtown for next semester, working with runaway and at-risk youth and families (HOLLA!). Which I’m excited for, but it also means that things will look differently from here on out. No longer just a student, I’ll be working at a real agency like a real working-man (as well as a confusing amount of school work…too?) ! I’m looking forward to this steady transition that I know will be here before I know it. It allows me, as someone who lives life in the moment, to soak in where I am, while trusting that what is next is good. I’m pumped for whatever that is.
But it is in the present, where I’ve noticed quiet beacons. These have been the moments that have required stillness to savor their significance. A cool theme of this week has been about getting to know Bridgman more and more.
I’ve savored a night of carving pumpkins with fellow Bridgmanites; and a night of way too many jokes about penguins.
I’ve savored a quick audible made in bible study night, leading to not a look at a passage, but a genuine update and chat on how each of our guys (and ourselves are doing).
I’ve savored Emily’s steady excitement about girls that she, Christy and Kelly are reaching out to. God is bringing a newness here.
I’ve savored getting to know folks I didn’t even know were on our floor, in the annual trip to Olive Garden.
I’ve savored a new desire that God has given to me to truly know the people in Bridgman.
I've savored the ways that the Treehouse is becoming a place of peace. It has been so cool to see how our room is becoming a haven of prayer of sorts, a safe place for tough times. Beans and I don't often feel qualified to sit with our friends in hurt, but it is something significant to be able to be a part of what God is doing.
I’ve savored Friday discipleship with Sam; talking through “redeeming sex,” the book of Matthew and life-giving things. There is such a delight in being led by the Lord to help others know him better. I’m excited that he wants a deeper relationship with God (woot!).
I’ve savored meetings with Logan. That man has so much wisdom, and he always seems to know which good questions to ask me. He also lets me talk a lot; which can be good too.
I’ve savored Savers runs with good friends, practicing Reservoir songs with Mattie, getting excited about International Social Work, and watching Hitchcock moves.
I’ve savored catching up with Yui this week; grabbing groceries, praying in the car, hearing about his life, and celebrating his birthday with friends.
I’ve savored the chance to invite a guy on our floor to swing-dancing with us; seeing him feel the welcome of good community. I wish everyone in the world could experience the joy of swing dancing I find in community. It’s one of the greats.
I’ve savored late-night reflections with Beans; last night we talked about the goodness that can be experienced in Christian community – something that I can almost take for granted, but something that is so impactful for people who haven’t experienced it before.
And as I sit and reflect on these, quiet beacons of sorts, I realize how easy it would have been for me to check off yesterday as a “great day” and move on. But instead, I’m glad to relish in the good gifts of a generous Father, and I am so dang thankful for his never-ending kindness to me.
Friends, what quiet beacons have you stopped to recognize this week? What gifts in people have you seen? What gifts in and of God? It is good to reflect.
I’ll leave you with one of my favorite quotes, which is something that I have been thinking a lot about, especially from what I learned at InterVarsity's CrossTraining last weekend. This except is from Come Away My Beloved, in Frances J. Roberts’ trusted words from the Lord:
As I have opened your eyes to see, so shall I open your ears to hear, and you shall come to know Me even as Moses did, yes in a face-to-face relationship. For I will remove the veil that separates me from you, and you will know me as your dearest friend and as your truest comforter.
foot//notes:
*where Beans (Ben) and I live. Aka Bridgman 433.
** a couch like non-other. Have you ever felt comforted and hugged so well by a non-living thing?