The small things in life...

2009-11-04T21:30:00.001-08:00

Flyover country

2007-11-19T08:02:00.001-08:00

It's a beautiful autumn morning here in the Midwest. The sun is shining, the sky is bright blue, and the birds are chirping. If I didn't have my calendar to remind me it's November, I'd think we'd skipped right over winter and gone into spring. But that's not the case, and thankfully so--the holiday season is just around the corner!

On my walk back from class a couple minutes ago, I counted a record number of contrails in the periwinkle-blue sky: 12. Twelve different jets making their way over Iowa. Twelve separate loads of passengers soaring high above America's heartland. It's no wonder they call this flyover country. Seeing those many telltale signs of busy holiday travel, I stopped to ponder: do we too often get caught in the rush of life to slow down and enjoy the scenery?

I understand that today's society is largely mobile--and I have no problem with that. Careers and job opportunities spread families across the country, yet technology allows us to stay connected in a way unimaginable even 50 years ago. But that technology has also sped up the culture in which we live to the point that when Thanksgiving comes around, we're forced to hop on a jet for a quick trip to Grandma's, all the while continuing to work on our Blackberries and think about the tasks that await us when we return from the holiday.

This Thanksgiving, I'm driving south to my grandparents' in Missouri, and you know what? I'm looking forward to the drive. Sure, it would be faster to hop a plane here and meet them in baggage claim there, but I'd rather take the drive. America has so much beauty to behold, and even here in flyover country, we have a lot to enjoy. It's too bad so many people are forced to travel by air--seeing a sunrise on a country road just gives me that much more for which to be thankful, and one more thing to make me smile.

The subject of my verbs

2007-09-09T19:27:00.000-07:00

This weekend, I spent my Friday night and Saturday at my last All-Campus Retreat. This year our speaker was Rev. Aaron Baart from Bridge of Hope. Since our theme this year was "Amazingrace!", he spoke on the hymn, Amazing Grace, focusing on the verses from the original lyrics penned by John Newton.

Throughout his messages, Pastor Aaron focused on redefining God's grace in our lives as us accepting Him as the subject of our verbs. When we accept God's grace and let it penetrate the darkest recesses of our hearts, we allow God to work through us, and He becomes the subject of our verbs. In other words, the actions we take aren't our actions--they're God's. That's grace. Letting God's love work through our lives.

This year was my last retreat, and I'm sad to see my work on the planning committee coming to a close. It's been fun, and I've enjoyed serving. But most of all, I've enjoyed seeing others encouraged through the retreats I've helped plan. It's in those moments that I--along with all the many others who help plan the retreat--can stand back and say no, we aren't to take credit for the success we see each year during this weekend. It's grace. Grace brings us through each retreat, and we can only stand in awe at the hand of God working in the lives of those who attend.

...'tis grace that brought me safe thus far and grace will lead me home.

Quick a minute

2007-08-31T06:43:00.000-07:00

Why is it that as soon as I'm back to college the days fly by? Maybe it's the speed of things to begin with--college schedules are packed full of activities, classes, and homework, not to mention the social life. So naturally, I'm forced to make decisions that leave smaller, less important things for the "quick a minute" stack. "Let's see, I'll put these papers away quick a minute before breakfast."
"Here, I'll write a blog post quick a minute before class."

Well, class is coming up in a minute or two, so I best not make this long. I just needed to slow down...quick a minute...and gather my thoughts. The sun is shining today--you should see the view out my window. Maybe I'll take a picture. It's a beautiful panorama of Iowa: farms, school, gently-rolling plains. I like it. And I don't think God just created it "quick a minute," either.

Ok, deep breath. I'm going to head to class--I'll walk a little slower today. Maybe then I'll have a chance to enjoy the scenery on my to the Campus Center. Of course, when I get there, I'll go talk to a prof "quick a minute." We'll see :)

Ok, Elaine, here you go...

2007-08-12T13:14:00.000-07:00

It's been well over a month since I last posted...my efforts as a blogger are quite lacking, I must say. But, you can't say I haven't been busy. Oh, I have, I have! Summer has flown by, and yet crawled at the same time. How does that happen?

Time seems to be such a malleable substance, doesn't it? 12 days--maybe 11?--until I see Elaine again. I have a feeling that time will creep past until then. But looking back at summer, I can see just how fast the last few months have gone. I guess I should just take each day by itself and trust God for his timing. It's perfect, you know. And he's been in this business of life a lot longer than I, so I think I'm safe to put things in his hands.

So, Elaine, here's a post. Sorry, not a toast. But, hey, here's to Elaine! And only a little over a week and a half until I'm back in the heartland :)

Small pleasures

2007-07-01T21:30:00.000-07:00

Elaine, I think I'm going to leave you for a pair of flip-flops and a shade tree.

Well, ok, nevermind, they could never like me back in the way you do :) But in all seriousness, there's something to be said for the small things in life. That's the title of my blog, after all. And yesterday I realized how much I take those things for granted.

I cut my heel on the faucet in the shower the other day (don't ask me why I was kicking around like I was), and as a result, my foot was slightly swollen and uncomfortable rubbing in my shoe at work yesterday. When Dad came to get some fertilizer mid-afternoon, I was busy with customers, limping around from sale to sale. Noticing my discomfort, he asked if I would like my flip-flops. I smiled. Sure, Dad, sounds good.

Well, between the heel chafing taking place and the warm temperatures, as well as my general busyness with customers, I was feeling rather hot and bothered. But Dad soon showed up with my favorite $5 pair of Old Navy flip-flops. In moments I had shed my socks and shoes and traded them for the feeling of being free.

And just like that, the customers left. For a few minutes, anyway. Left to catch up on watering, I dragged my hose around a tree and started giving the plants the drink they'd been waiting all day for. Soon, I realized just how good I had it. Standing in the shade of a beautiful Japanese Maple, cooled by a gentle breeze, and free of my stuffy work shoes, I came to appreciate the small things in life anew.

So, Elaine, I'm not leaving you. Don't worry. But I think I've got reason to smile, if only for a few moments, when I remember the small pleasures in life. I have to work again tomorrow...I think I'll wear flip-flops.

What is it about music?

2007-06-04T19:12:00.001-07:00

So what makes music so incredibly powerful? I'm humbled by the power of music to change a situation. We often forget how prevalent music is--just listen to a radio commercial and hear how music changes the whole mood of the spot. As I sit here at the computer, doing number crunching for my work, I'm listening to a CD that strikes me so powerfully right now.

Have you ever noticed how music can also affect you differently at different times? One day, you might pick up a certain line in a song that catches your heart and runs with it. The next day, maybe it's a chord or a subtle tune that stirs a different emotion.

That's why I love music--it's got a power that only can be explained by the creativity and providence of God. Only He could create something so simple yet profound such as music. Thanks, God, for another reason to smile.

The Piano Man

2007-06-03T10:01:00.000-07:00

When I grow up, I want to be a piano man. Thanks, Billy Joel. I heard that song on the radio yesterday, and it made me smile--it's just one of those songs that I like :) I love to play piano, and hearing that song made me want to play more. No matter what mood I'm in, piano tends to make me happy. So, I want to be a piano man. As a profession? No thanks. I'm not interested in becoming a starving artist. Anyway, I'm not that good ;) But I hope that I can use my talents to bring joy to someone. After all, talents are blessings from God that we can use to bless others. So, maybe someday, someone will ask me to "sing us a song, you're the piano man..." Just maybe :)

In awe

2007-05-06T09:56:00.000-07:00

I'm in awe right now. God is so good to me. This weekend has been amazing. Friday night was our last band concert for the year, which was sad. I'm going to miss Heidi--she's given us horns a good name over the past few years and we'll have to work all the harder to keep up our stellar reputation with her gone :)

The concert went well, however, and I was very grateful for the music, the appreciation expressed for Mr. Gaines (who is retiring) and the good company I was in.

Yesterday was also a great day--even better than Friday night. At 8:45, I went to the music building to be Elaine's "registration flicker person" (that's an official title, I'm pretty sure) for her organ juries. She did an excellent job and made me jealous that I don't play organ...yet. I'm going to learn someday so I can play in church, but I've just never gotten around to taking lessons!

Last evening, Elaine came over to watch movies. We really enjoyed "You Can't Take it With You"--it's from the 1930s, and old movies like that are always good.

After finishing up the movie, it was getting stormy outside, so we decided to go enjoy the thunder and lightning. Finally, after waiting all year for a good storm, we got one, and it was good. Very good. There are very few things that beat standing out in the rain and watching lightning flash all around you :)

So, I'm in awe. God is faithful in all things. I've been praying for a storm for months, and we finally got one, at just the right time, too. I should've known--His timing is perfect. Not only did I get to enjoy the storm, I got to enjoy it with Elaine :) Yes, God is good.

Whew!

2007-04-27T14:59:00.000-07:00

Ok, no more cryptic language...for now :)

I'm tired. It's suddenly all hitting me. This week was a beast for homework, tests, and presentations. I think I can fairly say it was my busiest week ever. Of course, it also happened to be about the best week ever...for completely nonacademic reasons ;)

Anyway, I've kept too busy this week to get tired. Now, with the weekend here and one more week of classes left, I can feel the exhaustion setting in. But you know what? I don't care. I'm enjoying life too much right now to let a little tiredness drag me down!

This week has been a roller coaster of emotions--high stress for projects, worry about tests, and, of course, elation (or should that be elaintion?). Now, it's time to think about this evening--a jazz band concert at the mall, Pizza Ranch, and a game night at Cheryl's apartment. And...it's a date :-)

कान यू रीड थिस?

2007-04-25T11:12:00.000-07:00

इफ यू कैन रीड थिस, कुदोस! थिस इस हिंदी, अ लंगुअगे फ्रॉम इंडिया। एलैने, इफ यू'रे रीडिंग थिस ऎंड कैन उन्देर्स्तंद इत, ई थिंक ई लिके यू अल थे मोरे! नो, मके ठाट ई क्नोव ई लिके यू अल थे मोरे :)

अडोस!

दविड़

Life is good

2007-04-22T20:12:00.000-07:00

I'm happy. Real happy :) Life is good.

Birds

2007-04-17T18:09:00.000-07:00

If you haven't taken the time lately, stop and listen to the birds chirping in the trees. They're beautiful, cheerful, sonorous. They sing better than I ever could hope to, giving praise to their Maker. Stop--and listen to the birds.

Reasons to smile

2007-04-15T17:41:00.000-07:00

I'm tired. It's nearing the end of the semester and that invariably means extra projects, homework, tests, presentations...it all becomes a blur. Spring break was great--I enjoyed every minute of tour and wouldn't trade the memories I made and the experiences I had. But one thing spring break didn't give me was rest. I think I slept less on the road than I normally do at Dordt.
Less rest equals quicker burnout. And frankly, I'm feeling burned out. Classes don't seem to have purpose anymore; homework has become a task more than anytime earlier in the semester. And I'm getting tuckered out.
BUT, I have reasons to smile. It was sunny today...and warm! I'm wearing my jeans, but only because I was too lazy to change. It got into the upper 60s this afternoon, and the forecast looks good for tomorrow. The chorus of birds that usually provides the soundtrack for my walk to church was louder and cheerier than ever today. And even my light jacket felt warm.
I went to a friend/professor's house for dinner today. He and his wife have been to our house and they wanted to invite me over to share pictures from Europe. The food was good and the fellowship was even better.
Oh, and one more reason to smile--pickles. I love pickles. The dill pickles I finally remembered to buy (I've been forgetting for the whole year) are wonderfully delicious--the zest is just right and the crunch couldn't be better!
Yes, I have many reasons to smile. This time of year brings with it a distinct dichotomy: on one hand, the world is coming to life with the joy of spring; on the other, every college student feels impending doom as the end of the year draws close. I think I'll choose to focus on the former of those two. After all, I've got pickles.
And that gives me reason to smile.

Spring?

2007-04-10T14:34:00.000-07:00

It's snowing. It has been off and on all day. Mind you, it's not really sticking, but this is mid-April, folks. It's not supposed to be doing this! Global warming, my friends? Right now, that would be something to smile at ;)

He is risen!

2007-04-08T17:45:00.000-07:00

Jesus is risen! What great assurance we have, knowing that God himself died for us, but moreover, conquered death and Satan, giving us salvation from eternal damnation and providing us the promise of life eternal. What incredible love!
I think Easter is my favorite holiday. Not only is it a day worthy of total celebration, it's one that I can really cherish. I love Christmas, and I struggle to call Easter my favorite over it. But I love the Christmas season just about more than the day itself. I often get caught up in the festivities, decorations, music, and presents, and by the time Christmas Day rolls around, I'm tired. Easter doesn't lend itself to such a buildup. By its very nature, it's a surprise (okay, I know it's coming, but we first mourn the death of Christ on Good Friday), and while the Easter Bunny has distorted the holiday, I find it easier to focus on the real meaning of Easter than Christmas, which takes more sorting out.
That aside, I had a good Easter--my best since I've been at Dordt. The church service this morning was joyous and festive, complete with a brass ensemble and choir. I went to Andrea's house after church, enjoyed Mrs. De Jong's excellent cooking (hooray for a home-cooked meal!) and shared lots of laughs with friends. In no time, we'd passed two and a half hours, and it was time to leave. My best experience of the afternoon, I'll admit, was the Easter egg hunt. I know I just said I appreciate the true meaning of Easter, but it's been years since I've had an egg hunt, and it was good to be a kid again :)
God has blessed me richly, as I've experienced once again today. Blue skies, chirping birds, jubilant songs, a healthy dose of the Word, good food, time with friends...I have much to be thankful for. And on this Resurrection Sunday, I have the reminder of God's greatest blessing to me--eternal life with Him. Blessings to you!

Sleep in peace

2007-04-05T18:53:00.000-07:00

"And now the Lord to rest is laid
Lord Jesus, fare Thee well!
In tears of grief, dear Lord, we leave Thee
Hearts cry to Thee O Saviour dear.
Lie Thou softly, softly here.
Rest Thy worn and bruised body.
At Thy grave, O Jesus blest,
May the sinner, worn with weeping,
Comfort find in Thy dear keeping,
And the weary soul find rest.
Sleep in peace, sleep Thou in the Father’s breast."
-From "St. Matthew Passion" by J.S. Bach

I can't imagine

2007-04-05T18:30:00.000-07:00

I'm not a father, so I have no idea how it would feel to give up my only son to die in someone else's place. I can't imagine the pain--the overwhelming agony--of sending my son to a cruel, painful, utterly humiliating death. I just can't imagine.
Neither can I imagine the powerful faith and trust of the Son. Some 2000 years ago, Jesus sat at a table with his most trusted followers--his disciples--eating the last meal he would partake before his death. In the hours that followed, his emotions (no doubt) ran high. He could've called the whole thing off at the last minute--he's God, after all. Yet he remained faithful to his Father, trusting him in complete obedience. I can't imagine enduring under such torture. I don't know that I could do it. Oh that I could.
It's Holy Week, a time to once again give thanks for Christ's supreme sacrifice and remember the power of God's love. I can't imagine the pain the Father and Son endured, but I can imagine salvation. The small things in life? Yeah, they make me smile. But this, the greatest event in the history of mankind, this is something to truly warm my heart and give me reason to live.

Snow?

2007-04-03T18:43:00.000-07:00

Don't get me wrong--I like snow. During the winter, it's exciting when the first snow comes, and a white Christmas is something I've always dreamed about (I don't often have a white Christmas at home), but in April? Nope. Not my thing. Now, we haven't had any accumulation--thank goodness--yet it's still disheartening to see flakes in the air when it should be sunny and warm.
But, I'm an optimist, and I know that Iowa weather can change direction on a dime, so I'll take this weather--it will just make the balmy weather we'll undoubtedly have later in the month that much more enjoyable :) Now that's something to smile about!

Storms

2007-04-02T20:33:00.000-07:00

I love thunderstorms. I used to be scared of them, but after a near-death experience (okay, so that's a bit of an exaggeration, but it was a harrowing experience!) I've grown fond of them. Tonight there were storms in the forecast, but it appeared that none of them would come our way. Then, Elaine stopped by and said that she could see the moon, stars, and lightning and I should come watch. So we went out to the soccer field and watched a while.
I have to admit, the show was pretty cool--it's not too often you get a clear view of a full moon and lightning at the same time! Some people like to spend big bucks on entertainment...for me, it's the small things in life :)

The faith of a child

2007-04-01T14:40:00.000-07:00

Ok, I'll admit it--I had my eyes open this morning in church during prayer. Pastor Herm called all the kids up to the front to talk about the Lord's Supper, and after explaining what the elements represented, he offered a prayer. As soon as he said, "Let's pray," a little girl up front--she couldn't have been more than three years old--folded her chubby little hands in front of her and squeezed her eyes shut, a smile on her face as she met with God. At that moment I realized just how real the faith of a child is--children come before the Lord in total trust, knowing they can't make it on their own. No, most kids don't have the details of systematic theology worked out...but maybe it's better that way. They know and love God--he's their Abba--and that's all they need. That's something I need to remember...the faith of a child.

Oh the joy of spring!

2007-03-31T16:11:00.000-07:00

I love thunderstorms, especially the spring squalls that seemingly come out of nowhere. Tonight I was sitting at my computer, finishing up a Spanish paper, and I looked out the window just in time to see some ominous-looking clouds rolling our way. I called for my roommates, and we watched as the first thunderstorm of the year barreled our way. Within seconds, a gust of wind picked up and scattered the few remaining leaves from last fall. Knowing what was coming, we grabbed our jackets and rushed outside.
Over the next few minutes, the clouds billowed overhead, rolling and churning as only Midwest storm clouds can. Lightning flashed from somewhere inside the clouds and thunder rumbled in the distance. Soon rain began to fall, and we were forced to retreat inside while the sky opened up.
I love spring, and this storm reminded me of that. It's the small things in life that make me smile :)