When you Least Expect It

Today as I was walking back from my 8:00 a.m. class in the brisk cold of a typical Indiana autumn transitioning into winter, just after I passed the library and was coming upon the path between Wengatz and Olsen, I was completely overcome with an intense feeling of love for humanity… well, not the condition of humanity… but for humankind in general, for the people… and I think that must be what it feels like to channel Jesus’ emotions, because I know there is no way I could feel this kind of inclusive love on my own. It’s a beautiful glimpse of God… and an incredible blessing to me in the middle of a busy, stressful week.

Bethany is...

A dear, sweet girl on my wing just wrote on the whiteboard on my door – it’s a small board, with the words “Bethany is…” at the top. Usually I then list where I am going to be when I’m out of the room. Sometimes I fill it in with other things when I’m feeling creative, like “Bethany is… class-y.” or “Bethany is… freshmen stalking.” or “Bethany is… undermining the system.” Just to keep people guessing.

As of five minutes ago, the board was wiped clean, as I was sitting in here working on my book report… but then said sweet girl wrote “Bethany is… a stunning masterpiece.” I kind of chuckled when I saw it – it fits her personality.

But then I thought, “What if we all really did view ourselves as just that – a stunning masterpiece?” Not necessarily just physically – but all of our combined experiences and traits and thoughts and talents and hopes and dreams… if I really, really, really believed that I was a masterpiece – and each brush stroke was shaping and embellishing me, how would that change my behavior and outlook on life?

I think it’s a kind of self-confidence I’m still waiting for.

Musings

Have you ever wondered what our world would look like if we stopped caring about money and started caring about people?

Why do we claim to want to help the poor and then turn around and complain about the welfare system giving them “our” hard-earned tax dollars?

Why do we sigh about the naked children in poor nations of the world and then turn around and buy three more outfits we don’t need?

Why do we write a check when we’re feeling charitable but shy from actually personally getting involved with the homeless and destitute?

What would happen if we loved people without expecting anything in return?

Autumn

Today as I was looking around at the dull gray sky, crumbling brown leaves, and moist earth, I was struck by the thought that fall is the most beautiful time of the year. It also happens to be the time of the year when everything is dying, a stark reminder of the brevity of life. But in that time, you can see brilliant reminders of the beauty of life, of love, of humans and our relationships with each other. In the middle of this dark and dying world, there is light and life and love, like brilliant autumn leaves against a gray November sky.