Saturday, May 16, 2009

Looking forward and looking back

In thirty days I’m leaving or going depending on the perspective chosen. I have six days of work left at my job in Madison. Even though it seems like I have had plenty of time to prepare, I still have a lot to do. But it is finally coming! It’s not when or what I expected, but it's real.


These last few months have been great. I’ve really enjoyed being with my family. I think they've liked having me around more too. I haven’t minded the commute. I'm so glad I've been around for things like helping Denise with her homework, visiting Eau Claire with Val, watching mom and dad run like the young people they are at heart. When I’m gone the memories that I’ve made during this season will be what I can hold on to. What they can hold on to. Or in the words of Shauna Niequist from her book Cold Tangerines, “I’m socking away memories like gold coins because I’m going to need them to get me though the years.” That's my latest book recommendation if you are looking for one. I’m a little over half way through it now, but it’s all about taking time to celebrate the extraordinary nature of everyday life. Good stuff.

As I contemplate the last couple years, I'm learning a lot about this idea as I struggle with finding a greater meaning in the routine and seemingly mundane aspects of the daily grind. Going through the stages of life, I find myself grasping for the next before I've gotten to the step before it, hoping that it will be better already. It seldom ends up living up my expectations of excitement and change.


Psalm 139 underscores our significance from even the dullest 24-hour period.

"Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed."


"O Lord, you have examined my heart
and know everything about me.
2 You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.
3 You see me when I travel and when I rest at home.
You know everything I do.
4 You know what I am going to say
even before I say it, Lord.
5 You go before me and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too great for me to understand!

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