I received a text message Monday night informing me that a friend's father had committed suicide. My prayers are with him and his family during this time. I had the opportunity to talk with him over the phone briefly, and get a gauge for where he was mentally and spiritually in the hours after. He is a Calvinist, and so much of the conversation was about purpose, and God's omniscience, and Him making all things work for good. It was good to hear him say those things, but it all seemed too familiar. I had heard these lines before. It was just as lines rehearsed over and over again, lines that are repeated after a personal tragedy yet phrased exactly the same after 9/11, or a hurricane, or a fire, or a car accident, or an argument. To me it rang as impersonal. It rang as words from a persecuted man understanding a distant "good" God. Maybe I was just skeptical in such a situation or maybe I just couldn't read the inflection over the phone. But in any case - its actually quite brave in such a situation to stick to your guns, and I firmly believe that if he hasn't already, that down the road he will come to understand it in a way that is aligned with the Calvinist understanding that God had brought him. But I think in that situation I would have more questions than answers. I know I would run into the arms of my Father like children curl up and cry in their mother's bosom just after she thumped them across their hindside. Logically, it makes no sense, but in the moment it's the only thing that makes any sense at all.
This past week a received word that a friend's mother had died after an 8 year battle with a rare form of breast cancer. Actually the mother of 3 friends - Becca, John, and Joey. My prayers are with them as well. The world has lost a phenomenal woman. There is a small comfort in knowing that her goal was to see her youngest, Joey, graduate from high school which took place two years ago. I remember her as a high school Sunday School teacher at my church where all three of her children were active in youth group. She was far more than that in support of the schools and the city. The wife of the district judge, she was a lawyer herself (both were Baylor Law grads) and offered her time and energy tirelessly to community organizations, the schools and her children who were active in Boy Scouts, sports, drama, choir, church, etc. Yet even after she was diagnosed and began treatment she continued to be an incredible host and mother to so many of us. Future mothers take note. She somehow managed to balance all these things, and restart a law practice - while raising three of the most amazing children I have ever known. Her strength, intelligence, leadership, kindness and generosity live on in them.
Tonight I had a wonderful conversation with a friend who lives in Colorado. I'm envious of her opportunities to get outdoors this summer, as she has already gone camping with her family, hiking, and will go to Yosemite next week.
(I never tire of the outdoors no matter what punishment it doles out. It does so without prejudice and redeems itself with countless displays of beauty and wonder. It never ceases to teach me and draw me closer to its Creator. And, of course, it is a never ending playground for the curiosity of a boy who never grew up.)
She never ceases to amaze and challenge me. She is working, taking classes, and spending time with her family - yet finds time to have read three books so far this summer, with another three already started! And here I am halfway through my first - and all I do is go to beginning golf! She is such a blessing to me, getting to know her more and more, and being able to just sit and rest and talk with her about anything and everything. Her pursuit of God, relationships, and knowledge is in constant overflow into my life. Plus, updating her on what is going on in my life forces me to look carefully at how I'm spending my days, and really reflect and put perspective on those things.
Tomorrow I head out to a bachelor shindig and a wedding, so there probably won't be any posts until Sunday. Remember - Pay attention. Keep in step.
Quick notes:
1) No offense girls, but Wingstop hangouts are better with the guys - but the fries are just as amazing either way!
2) If you think two girls can't move a couch up three floors by themselves, you're probably right.
3) For those of you who think from my posts that I clean the apartment all day every day, pleae don't be mistaken! By "clean" I mean do dishes, organize, vacuum, dust - but never all at once. And by "cleaned the apartment" I mean - dusted the living room while watching PTI and Sportcenter on ESPN, probably followed by a well-deserved nap!
4) Is there a difference between crispy and crunchy? Of course! It's the difference between wheaties and grape nuts.
Quotes of the day:
Liz (referring to people with personal AC's):
(Note: see http://bigkidatheart.stores.yahoo.net/nikrchardavf.html )
"I mean they look goofy... but they're cool."
Liz (distracted by a billboard while driving): "Ooo! Look! Credit... debit..."
Me: "... stop sign...."
Liz: "OHHHH!!!"
- Well... I guess it's a good thing she drives a big red truck! She's protected and everyone can see her coming!
Liz quote of the day:
"My stomach is on fire! It's like there's a dragon in there going 'bwhaahhh' "
That's a fire-blowing sound by the way. How do you spell a fire blowing sound!?
Question and Answers of the day:
"Is there a difference between crispy and crunchy?"
Andie: "It's how I like my men!" (referring to crispy... don't worry I don't get it either)
Tori: "I'd rather be crispy than crunchy."
Liz: "I'd rather be... um... lightly toasted."
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