I live on a college campus with 40-some young guys. I work each day with rowdy, fun high school students. In my free time, I somehow find myself with this really cute pair of siblings, Caedmon and Ireland. To put it lightly, life is ACTIVE. We are moving all the time.
The good thing is, I love activity. I love being with people and I am refueled by relationships. So for the most part, I'm really enjoying this new station of life. Still, I find myself hungering for peace and rest in the midst of the busyness.
Over Labor Day weekend, I had a nice mini-vacation. Reed and I had a couple days with little or no agenda. It was amazing. One day, I came home to a comfy, sun-lit bedroom where I read Frankenstein for a while. I felt all the freedom to read as much as I wanted, and then I fell asleep in a spontaneous nap. This is so simple, and I almost can't believe that's what brought me the most joy over the holiday weekend. I am thankful for each peaceful, joyful moment like this one.
Adjusting to the RD life has been difficult, so these moments are treasured. Reed and I have worked through two very busy work schedules, some unexpected stress and lots of unmet expectations. Today, two months after moving into Brenneman 101, I can finally say I feel at home. The place is small and noisy, but it allows for us to be in the center of relational living. It's all worth it. God's been very good to take us through these chaotic, stressful months. We are learning a lot, and I'm seeing God's consistency so often. He is completely sustaining. Man, I'm thankful for his grace.
Speaking of grace, one of my favorite moments in the past two months allowed me to get a tattoo I've been hoping for. When our professor Scott Johnson died a little over a year ago, Reed and I strongly felt his absence. We studied under him as communication majors, and we valued him very much. Since his passing, I've wanted "Inhale grace; exhale gratitude" tattooed on me. These were words he spoke often, even before his cancer took a turn for the worst. I love the challenge in this statement, and I'm so glad to have them permanently reminding me to see God's grace at all times.
In short, the past couple of months have been full. I'm learning a lot, but I'm also really enjoying what's happening. Change is good. Activity is good. Peace is good. God is good.