What it could be like

Not a night for explicit words; rather, a night of silent reminiscences and appreciative thoughts. Telling smiles, knowing looks. While a part of me wonders whether this summer should've been spent behind a fort of books, the greater part of me knows that this summer - as it was lived - was meant to be. God is the master of all things, and everything happens according to His good and perfect plan.

It's been a bit of an emotional rollercoaster - the same old conflicted feelings of homesickness and a fall back into a person who is timid, shy, and a bit scared of life. But then there are weekends like this weekend - spent in what I believe to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world, with wonderful strangers-turned-friends, and great conversations and experiences. From stumbling into Paris' second oldest bakery on Paris' second oldest street to eating 50 euro/kg macaroons under the Arc de Triomphe (hanging out under such beautiful illuminations until almost 12 am) to eating a cake commissioned by King Louis XV in a hotel room looking out at the Eiffel tower (at 1 am no less), this weekend was filled with moments that can only be described as gifts. This is what life can be like, when you're not afraid to jump at chances and meet new and wonderful people :) trying new things. I feel happy and work is revitalised.

I got to catch up with my mentor yesterday and gave him an update of all that has transpired since we last met. There have been teaching opportunities, approval for grants, surprise trips, and a passing of registration. It wasn't until I began to recount all of these things that I realised just how good God has been to me, how much grace He's given me, unfolding one thing at a time without my even knowing it.

My mentor wrote me this last night:

I thought about this as I peddled home. A few weeks ago you were questioning the usefulness of your studies here. Usefulness cannot only be measured by visible gain. You will not save the world, but you will make a difference in the lives of people you will come into contact with. You will touch the lives of many if you develop your skills and knowledge now, as you are doing. You never know, one day you might be teaching in a college because you have the right credentials, and you might be guiding and mentoring the leaders that will follow in your footsteps. In addition your personality is an asset that will only improve by what you are doing here. Without your research and quest for knowledge you will be extremely poorer in thought and in spirit. Also, you will not be able to serve your purpose. You will become a cut above colleagues back home, but your character and disposition will not let this go to your head. But by enriching yourself, you will be enriching your community, wherever that may be.

I think that it's a telling response. It reminds me of how I feel when I am actually living the life God has set. It's that step towards that 'it' life, of walking and being confident in God and serving Him in your work. This is what life can be like.

Posted on August 1, 2007 at 03:05PM