Unexpected Turns

The best things in life are unexpected.  Also known as the next 5 or so years of my life. 

Today marks exactly one month since I have returned back to the good ol' U.S. of A from India.  Not to be a downer, but after starting my summer with an experience like that, things back in VA have been a tad bland.  But through this very uneventful, short, time in my life, I know that the Lord is still working and speaking just as clearly as ever.  I never thought I would be watching tennis all day with an elderly lady to keep her company, but alas, here I am.  For all the moments sitting and listening to tennis grunts, the sweet conversations I get to have with Ms. M about our Savior and everything He has done are in our lives make it beyond worth the inactivity of it all.

Our theme for our hall next year is "Run the Race."  While my RA partner and I both enjoy running, we are not simply talking about a race that you physically run.  We are running the "race of life" that the Lord has set before us. We don't run to receive a "perishable" wreath such as the world does, whether that be in money, sex, or "success."  We run to receive an imperishable prize, the eternal glory and inheritance that our waiting for us in our eternal, heavenly home.  As fast-paced as my "race" usually is, I am thankful that I have this short time to focus on the Lord, seek his will, and even glean some truth and advice from a sweet lady that has been walking with the Lord for quite some time now.

The next few months I plan to:
forgive
explore
be a giver
connect with a new friend
dance
eat healthy
treat myself
spend more time with my brother
continue my morning quiet time
get an awesome Chaco tan
reflect
go hiking
get stronger
have fun
limit myself to one cup of coffee a day
babysit
volunteer
be open-hearted
be open-minded (not philosophically, mind you.  both in things the Lord may or may not do)
do what I love and love what I do
learn
grow
eat more apples
have more adventures
keep running
be myself
love others
challenge myself
and sing more

Don't let the picture fool you.  I have not been to the beach yet this summer.  I really want to go, but it's not looking like it will work out.  But who knows, maybe a miracle will happen!

With my full-time job now, I don't have much free time.  With working almost forty hours a week, on top of my two online classes, it's safe to say I will probably be swamped during the next few weeks.  AH!

Also, I have been really wanting a pen pal.  If that sounds at all enticing to you, please comment or send me an email :)