Reality Check

So this weekend I took part in an event called Reality Check: Confronting Homelessness. Basically we spent the night in cardboard boxes or tents.  There were many speakers and presenters and even a band.  Now, do I now think I know what it's like to be homeless? no. Do I feel a sudden urge to be a part of a ministry on the street? not really.  Actually it strengthen my passion for kids and my want to make a difference with girls and boys of all ages, especially Middle School and High School.  It helped me to realized everyone has something that is all their's.  The Lord uses you as a vessel to change lives.

It was also interesting to me how much of a bonding experience it was.  Casey and I had no idea how to make a house really, and depending on Zach and Joey to build it.  I got to see creativity and imagination as we built and decorated the house.  I got to hear many people thinking aloud about many parts of life of a trash can fire.  Past experiences, dating, race, prejudice, the unknown.... the list goes on.  To be cold, tired and uncomfortable. Together.

Dating Jesus?

I hate it when people use the phrase "I'm dating Jesus."

Is it because I want to date someone that's said that? no. Is it because I feel the need to be close to Jesus is unimportant? no.  Is it because I de-emphasize the importance of being in an intimate relationship with the Lord? no. It's because I value and believe in the above statements.

What is dating? Dating is when two people spend time getting to know each other romantically.  Websters says "to go out on usually romantic dates."  It's funny to me that websters uses date to define date.  Doesn't that go against everything we've been taught as students because then you are not being clear about your definition of the word.  Now I'm getting of track because although I think it's absurd that we define the term dating with the word date, that's not the point of what I'm writing.  So we will just define what dating is by it's actions.  When two people date they spend their time and efforts getting to know each other and going out of their way to serve one another. 

I heard someone on the radio say I'm committed to dating Jesus. Using the above examples of dating, this seems like a great idea: taking your time to pursue Jesus, and to learn how to serve him completely.  However, my thought, is shouldn't we always be dating Jesus? Shouldn't our relationship with him be an intimate one distracted by nothing?  If I'm always dating Jesus, then sometimes, I date a boy and I date Jesus.  In this use of dating, the dating doesn't stop just because I'm in a relationship with someone else.  And dating Jesus is not an excuse to say no to someone else. 

This debate is really nothing against the idea, just the term.  I love someone who can admit when they are not where they should be and can not date right now.  It's great to take time and figure things out.  But when it is a problem with yourself and not the person pursuing you.  You take time to work on yourself, and you do not completely write the person off. 

So I think I've rambled enough now.  If you stumble across this, let me know what you think.

Sunshine

I love being warm.

As I sit here with sun shining in through the window, the warmth covering both of my hands.  With every tap and click of the buttons, time is slowly passing me by.  The beams of light make every speck of dust apparent.  I love the sun.  There are not words that explain how much of a deep contentment I feel just by seeing and feeling the sun.  I wish the heat could fill me all the time, never leaving me with the emptiness I often feel in this world.  Alone. Dark. Cold. Silent. Empty.  The world.

The sun.  So big.  So bright.  A constant reminder of God and his power and bigness. 

I love being warm.