Summer Update #1

Wow! It has really been a long time since I have last blogged here! I don't very often write with flowery language unless I make an effort to. As you can see by my very straightforward title, this is not one of the times that I am writing with flowery language. I will do that later, right now I am just letting my friends know how well my summer has been going.

Yes, I have been immensely enjoying my summer! Each day has been completely new with unexpected twists to keep me from getting lazy. I have enjoyed so many pleasures that cannot be enjoyed on a college campus such as watering fruit trees with my little brother, planting green beans, washing clothes for free, eating lunch with my Mom, Dad, and sisters and brother, and last, but not least, not having to fill out clinical paperwork!

Sunday morning I watched my entire family drive off to St. Louis for a week-long school field trip. As their car rolled down the driveway, I started to wonder, “What am I going to do with a whole day and no one to spend it with?” I have come to the conclusion that this time of being alone is helping to develop my character. (That’s not very profound since pretty much any situation that is out of our comfort zone is God’s way of developing our character). “I am the head of the household for a whole week.” I tell myself, “and I had better make this household of one run smoothly!” It’s been a lot of fun. I have to plan all of my meals and wash all of my clothes. Sunday the smell of burgers emanated through the house (I was actually surprised that nothing catastrophic happened!). Tuesday I planted two extremely long rows of green beans and just this afternoon it rained and watered my newly planted seeds! I am thoroughly relishing in the feeling of satisfaction that comes from accomplishing tasks!

You know, I really feel that God intends for us to enjoy being able to rely on Him as we accomplish tasks and then look on them with satisfaction! Through experiences like this week I have come to view each challenging experience as a gift from God. God presents us with a challenge and says, “Here, let’s work through this together, you and I, and we will have the satisfaction of a job well done.” I don’t have a Bible verse for this thought, but maybe some of you can find one! At any rate, this is what I have been experiencing this week, and this is what I am the most grateful for right now! God is so good and I am so happy to be in his service along with the rest of my fellow illustrious bloggers! Vivere Vix Deus! (I finally understand your title now Kristin!)