Recent Musings

My summer has been going great. The people I work with are a blast. Funny, intelligent, and laid back. I enjoy my work and there isn't much I can't do here if I put some effort into it. Weekends at the beach, swing dancing, volleyball, playing piano, free arcade games, or hours and hours free to just read ( of which I've taken advantage ), and I'm feeling great physically (a bit overweight, but I'm rather pleased anyway). There are some definite downsides to Florida: I am not near my family and able to visit or help, I don't have my family nearby, I can only talk to most of my friends online by typing, and work is consuming as the time here draws to an end... I think those are the only 3 disadvantages, but they are huge.

When I go back to Pennsylvania, I'm going to be taking classes I'm looking forward to, and almost all the downsides to the summer will go away. I've never believed that happiness comes from comfort, money, or friends, and this summer really seems to show it, because with all of it's benefits, I am not looking forward to returning to Grove City - or to staying here. Both ways look a bit bland to me. Staying here, going home, or doing something else doesn't appeal much to me. Certainly, whatever I do will lead to something new and I do look forward to that, but there doesn't seem to be much puprose to it if I start weighing things like how much free time will I have, will I be able to visit friends and family, will I make enough to be able to spend?

There is a path that leads to peace and joy - it is only when I turn to my Savior that things start to look up. The more I focus on Christ, the less important my current circumstances are to my outlook on life. I know that Christ does a reforming work in us if we allow him, but I really can't discern what the difference is in my outlook, just that there is a difference. I suppose it's because I can rest in Christ and he gives the peace that passes understanding. Part of what Christ seems to be doing is reminding me of the good times, in the past, present, and time to come. He reminds me of the endless awe and rejoicing that fellowship with him will bring... and I'm happy. It's not that my circumstances improve or I sin less - I'm happy because He reminds me that this is not my final home, and even it's greatest happinesses are pale next to being in Him. How I look forward to the day I see my savior face to face. Wow.