Quiet

It's finally Saturday.

I'm relaxing in my mom's warm kitchen, listening to conversations about economics, and childish squeals from the other end of the house, with Christy Moore's soothing voice drifting out of my laptop speakers. I have no makeup on, and my hair is delightfully wrapped up tightly and out of my face. The caramel coffee is warm and delicious against the silvery bone-chilling drizzle outside.

Today is a quiet day.

***

I retook my failed exam this week, and got back surprisingly good grades on another exam. I got more unsatisfactory grades, too, but also got a chance to redo an assignment I wasn't happy with.

My hands-on training labs are all done for the semester - from here on out, I'll be practicing on real patients in the clinic. I really enjoy my clinic days! It's so interesting to meet new people every week and help solve the puzzle of why they aren't hearing the way they should, and especially to show care and love to them as I talk to them about their problems and what they can do to hear better again.

I ate delicious food, laughed, cried, and said goodbye to a new friend last night, and look forward to being reunited at Christmas ... but on the happy side, I'm excited to introduce my international friend to Thanksgiving and Christmas for the first time, and am busy dreaming up ways to make the holiday season extra special - and ways to gently begin introducing my friend to Jesus.

The long hours of the last few weeks are taking their toll on my tired, out-of-shape body - today I am resting, catching up with friends and blogs, and eating honey and yogurt to help fight off a possible low-grade infection.

And I've been watching children's Bible shows with Dan and Nick, and trying not to let people see me cry ... sometimes, in all of the complicated adult responsibilities and faith issues that we study (how to grow a marriage, honoring God with finances, building churches and businesses), we sometimes forget that Jesus still wants to gather us into His arms like little children and let us rest our heads on His shoulder. Seeing His love illustrated on children's shows reminds me how precious I am to Him in a way that almost nothing else does. Hence, I watch Jesus forgive Zaccheus and heal Bartimaeus, and I weep.

***

How are you experiencing Christ's love today? Through pretty pumpkins and simple stories, like me? Or through something different?

Warm, cinnamony hugs to you!!
Vicki