Random Wednesday Thoughts

So, here’s some of the random stuff I’ve been thinking about today.

For the first time in a month, I looked forward to coming to work this morning. The reason? My job has been incredibly slow for the last month. Other than answering the phones, I’ve had almost nothing to do. So why is today exciting? Because all of our managers are at all-day meetings offsite today. No pretending I have stuff to do, no looking over my shoulder, and surreptisiously checking my email or reading blogs. I can just relax and actually “do nothing.” And thus far, it’s been GREAT!

There is a noticeable difference in the atmosphere of the homes of people who are committed to prayer. I have two different couples who I am priviledged to call friends who are deeply committed to a lifestyle of prayer. I have noticed this atmosphere and peace in both of their homes. Particularly, I notice it at night. As you all know, I don’t sleep very well, and when I’m at home and startle awake, there is a certain level of stress, anxiety, even fear attached to it. In the nights I’ve spent in these people’s homes, when I’ve come awake, I’ve been struck by the noticeable calm, the peace that even envelops my restlessness. I’ve been thinking about this the last few days because I had the experience again on Friday night at Kirk and Darlene’s house, and it always surprises me when I’m awake in the middle of the night without the stress, anxiety and fear.

I had lunch with a friend today, and found out that another very good friend is in town this week on call for her job. We have tentative plans to get together after work tonight, as long as she doesn’t get called out to work in the next few hours.

I have the (much anticipated, possibly dreaded) planning meeting for our youth retreat later on this evening.

Getting together with my friend tonight is actually a bonus, because it gets me out of really uncomfortable “family dinners” for the first of two days in a row.

I’m beginning to price out apartments. There is a possibility of a roommate on the horizon in June, but even if it doesn’t pan out, I’m strategizing to figure out what I could possibly afford on my own. So, time will tell. All I know is that it’s more than time to create space outside of my parent’s home for a while.

News Headlines That Caught My Eye

This one, on the growing interest in faith among American university students.

This one, a very poignant story about a military chaplain, his tour in Iraq, and how it has impacted his faith.