Hmmmmmm.
Sorry, I just have to do that before I get down to trying to organize my memories and thoughts on a computer.
Summer started early for me with my trip to Mexico, which by itself was life shaping. And the rest of summer has been God taking my life and bending it where he is planning it to go. The thing is I am not sure where it is going, but I have every confidence he does.
This summer also saw me working two jobs, one part time, one more full. They occupied most of my time. I have mixed emotions about my jobs this summer. My more full time job was at our local Greenhouse and my part time was at our local Subway. My mixed emotions are less because I did not like my jobs and more because I felt this is not where I want to be in a year. The thing my jobs have really done, have shown me a lot of what people are like. At the greenhouse it is mostly people over 50, at Subway it is mostly people under 30. Provides interesting views on human character. Had good and bad experiences at both. I have to say that I enjoyed the greenhouse far more this summer. Better bosses, co workers, and variety of jobs.
This summer I also did a fair amount of travel. Wether with friends or family. I went places have never gone before. And as happens when you do that, you meet people you have never met before. I am not sure, but it seems like I met more people this summer than I have in my life. Meeting people and becoming good friends with many. And when I traveled to a place like Mexico, it was not the country that amazed me, or the people, it was my Mexican brothers and sisters in Christ. They showed me something that was amazing. It is what Gods love looks like when all you have to worship him in is a 30x20 cement floor shop with a roof that leaks. It is beautiful.
When I went to Pro Life camp in WI, I saw other Christians my age who cared about what happened not just to them, or what affected them, but about the other people, people with and without voices. And after caring enough to learn, you learn enough to really care.
My most recent trip to Utah and California was also very good. It was supposed to be my more relaxing trip. And it was, but that did not stop things from happening. On the way to Utah I sat next to a Mormon Lady on the plane. This was most interesting since I had really been asking God to give me strength to share his gospel when I could. This lady had been Lutheran and had made the switch about two years back. I mainly asked questions. I am not sure what she really thought. It was just interesting, and I hoped that maybe I got her to think about certain things she might not have.
In Utah I had a great time with my brother and his family (and enjoyed meeting my newest nephew, Ethan).
Activities included lego building with my nephew Jac, water fights, playing in the sand box, wrestling, driving through gorgeous parks, dam building in ice cold streams, picnics, Chinese food, and more.. It was fun.
California produced as many and diverse activities. Such as whale watching (in which we saw many dolphins instead, amazing), snorkeling (awesome), boogie boarding (no broken bones), art shows, enjoying the ocean, etc..
All in all I had an amazing time and met more people and had more wide eyed wonder at God and his world.
The free time I have had this summer has been something I tried to make more structured. Meaning that it is free, so take it and use it. Some of it I used to practice my running. Still not really good, and I like it best when I am done. Running is like that. People wonder why anyone would want to go through such misery. The answer: It feels so good when you are done.
I also really got into soccer this summer. It is such a great sport. I admit maybe not the most thrilling all the time to watch. When it come to playing, it is most exciting and fun.
Have not done very much reading this summer. A pity, but that is why we have winter.
This summer I also did some storm chasing. Results are that the ones I chased really not much by the time I got to them. However we had a couple that went over our place that produced some very interesting clouds, lots and lots of rain, small hail, and big winds. I really am a little to fond of massive thunderstorms.
Yes this summer was very full, and that is fine with me. I like my busy life. Even when sometimes I don't. This summer produced moments when I wished I could go live on an island by myself. Then later God would do something to remind me of how silly that was. It is just that sometimes you feel like there is not enough room for everyone and their life. Till you discover that is part of being people who worship a triune God.
Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light unto my path. Psalm 119: 105
