Snow (Ice) Days

I really adore snow days. Not just because I like cold weather, but I like all that comes along with it. First of all, I love sweaters and I have some really great ones. So I finally got to wear them. Second, there is no better time to drink hot chocolate and this is my favorite drink. Finally, and most importantly, when one is blessed with a snow day (or two in my case), people become forced to rest. Over the last two days, I read, watched movies, caught up with people and slowed down enough to actually enjoy my life. I was able to study and think. I find that this time is increasingly important as most of the time I am running around just trying to accomplish something. I think this may be the biggest struggle of adulthood and why adults have romanticized being in school. It's because during school there is built in time to rest and so much of that comes in ample time to relate to others. However in this so-called real world that I live in, I rarely have time to really connect in meaningful ways with the people I come into contact with. I am so often doing, rather than being. Its a sad state. But when that blessed snow day is given to me, I have no choice but to slow down and rest. The past two days have been precious.

New Year, New Me?

Well, with the holiday season over I find myself pretty excited to get back to "normal" life. It was a delight to get to go home and see so many wonderful people. I feel refreshed and little more like me, again. And it was amazing for my family and Rebecca and Patrick to be in Austin and get to see my new life. It makes Austin feel a little less like summer camp. So now I am back to work and hanging with students and, hopefully in due time, getting a little rest.
A long time ago I decided never to make New Year resolutions and I am keeping with that. However, we must all admit that there is something about this time of year that makes us reflect on where have been and where we are going. For me this year, a lot of that has been due to getting to go home and getting some time to ponder what has happened in my life over this past whirlwind of a year. I've done a lot-graduated, had three jobs, moved twice, made totally new friends, etc, etc. So it is quite a lot to think about. I really came to no conclusion other than that without the grace of God I would be insane by now, but I do have a confidence that I did not have this time last year. And it has nothing to do with me feeling certain about my future. It has everything to do with God being faithful to me and leading me through all these changes. He has given me a confidence in Him and because of that, a confidence in myself.
I was asked recently if I feel more like an "adult" now that I am out of college. The answer was definately not. I am still who I was in May and this time last year. I just have new challenges and responsibilities. However, I do find that I have a sense of competence that I did not have last year. A new set of skills that fit my new life. I feel adapted.
So my point...its not a new year that has brought a new me. It is the past year that has brought a more mature me.