Summer part II

Liistening to Phil Wickham... ahh so good.
"you're beautiful oh oh"


I have been at home for over a month now. I haven't moved much in the sense that I haven't influenced or done a whole lot in what carries purpose. Or have I?

two weeks ago I had the amazing privilege of witnessing my cousin who had down syndrome graduate from high school. He completed his high school level education two years after I had. I got to watch him read my note on his graduation card, when he was never expected to learn how to read when he was born. When I think of that I want to cry.

I have experienced a friend confess to me a life of lies, dishonesty, and selfishness. In the eleven years that I have known him I have never seen him seem so real and open about his life.

Though I have been frustrated with my relationship with my parents, my work that I'm doing for free at the bike shop. I shall say that this time is precious and is not wasted. God has been teaching me some good things now that I look back on all this.

A verse that has been following me since Training Week has been in Luke 6:32-36. It talks about how its no good simply serving those that we are friends with but also to those who might cause us pain or turmoil. it ends by saying "Be merciful even as your Father is merciful"

The closest thing I think I had to that is not yelling or venting my frustrations to my parents or to certain employees. This is not even half of the point that Jesus is trying to get across. He's talking something fierce. I wrestle with it and wonder how our lives will truly look if we stay the course on the narrow road.

I am in God's hands still, even when i feel useless. This summer is good, and I still miss all my friends dearly. Be blessed wherever you may be in your walk.

"make the choice that will serve to the greatest benefit of not only yourself but to others"

Santa Rosa

It is the town I grew up in... however for some reason can you guys ask me why I find myself disconcerted while once again staying here for most of the summer?

Recess.

(I loved recess. recess is a genius invention that sets the precedent for what intentional community is meant to be. Games, fun, laughter, sun, sports, activity, awesomeness)

Summer has continued to be an interesting season of sorts. I have found work for no pay at the local family bicycle shop where I am now assembling new bicycles. I haven't had the best time to exercise, and have visited a handful of good friends. Needless to say God has been good in his provision.

One particular event that stands out from this week is my visit to my old elementary school campus. It was after work that I was riding through the neighborhood (which is 3 min. from my house) and I decided to visit my old stomping grounds. It was strange, visiting a place that you hadn't been to in 8 years. Almost everything that I remember had changed. A lot of new portables had been installed on the campus, and it looked like none of my former teachers were still there. However I could not brush aside the fact that this was where I grew up . I think that no matter how much I have tried to ignore and forget this school, I have now come to accept that this place is a part of me. When I think about it now, it makes me think of a simpler time when things like money, loans, grades (real grades), and relationships, did not necessarily cross the minds of an eight year old. All that mattered was whatever the next adventure was going to be. Living life with a childlike sense of wonder and awe. I swear there are times where I pine for that still

But at least I know that what is right now, is what needs to be. Funny that God would take such a foolish child and take him on the greatest adventure of all.

"Let the children's laughter, remind us of who we used to be"