"In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
Matthew 5:16

Sunday, September 21, 2008

The Rapidity of this Thing We Call Life

Wow. A lot has happened over the past few weeks. As I transitioned from what is supposedly my second hardest trimester of the program to the first, I was graciously given one whole week off. So we fled the fast-paced Southern California lifestyle and went to Texas to see my family. We had a blast doing a lot of things we only get to do there. Tracy not only caught her first fish (followed by 6 more in rapid succession!) but shot her first one too!! We were quite impressed, as was our guide (guy in the middle) who couldn't be happier to have a Southern California girl shoot a fish on his boat! The house is progressing nicely. We have the majority of the big stuff done but have a lot of little things to do. I don't think we've hung one thing on the walls yet. We're both pretty busy but trying to enjoy life as we attempt to keep all the plates spinning. I am recovering from the hard lesson that isolation is not how life is meant to be lived. As the last trimester wrapped up, I spent less and less time with other people and began to believe the lies that my relationships were either unnecessary or false. After receiving some well needed perspective, I am working on clearing things up with others and getting with people who refresh me who, in turn, I hope to refresh. It's an important part of our relationships to keep things clear. Without forgiveness, trust is broken and bitterness grows. Without honesty, a facade goes up that keeps the real you away from others. Matthew 5:23-24 tells us, "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the alter and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the alter. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift." By keeping relationships clear, we can experience joy and refreshment in relationships - relationships that are real.