Serving

As I sit in this little coffee shop that serves the best americano's I have ever had, I am supposed to be studying. But I can't help but to think of anything else. I did terrible on my first exam (which should have been very easy,) so I should do well on this one.

When I was in Calgary, some friends and I went to go serve at a homeless shelter downtown called "the Mustard Seed." We really had no idea what to expect when we arrived. But we ended packing food hampers which would be given out at a later date. We packed for around 45 minutes and then by that time much of the space that was usable to store the hampers was used up. After this we went on a tour, which was cool but it wasn't what I had in mind for the whole experience. The tour guide was quite a derelict though which was very entertaining. My preconceived notion of the whole experience was way off. I expected to be preparing food in a kitchen and or serving it to these people, but that was not the case.

I had a conversation about service with a good friend this weekend. Service should be something that we should be willing to do anytime. But in our world nowadays, this is pretty unrealistic. We all have jobs and school that we often put before serving. Service is (oftentimes) something that we "fit in" to our schedule. I do not think that this is what service is supposed to look like but I can't see it looking any other way, in my life anyways.

I think that often my view of service is very narrow-minded in terms of what service actually does look like. When I think of service I think of helping homeless people or serving in a church but I think that service can look different for everyone.

Serve well and serve always. Something I need to work on.

Michael

You win some, you lose some...

Since I left home, I have come to the conclusion that I really enjoy being by myself. I liked being by myself at home too, but more so now that I am away from home. I am not sure what the reason is, maybe it is because I am an only child but I love going fishing, driving, walking, and most things by myself; except things like badminton or tennis - that is just stupid. But I also love being with people, so I don't know exactly where I fall on this introverted/extroverted spectrum.

I was in Calgary for a few days this last week and it was a good time. I got to see the mountains and stay in the "Stoney Nakoda Lodge and Casino," which is just off the number one highway on the way to Canmore. It was pretty epic. The term, "you win some, you lose some" definitely took new meaning for me due to me losing more money than I wanted at this damned casino. But this lodge did have a stellar slide. Actually, it wasn't that great but it was fun anyways.

I got to hang out with many good people who I haven't seen for a while which was good and I also experienced "Life Together" which was also a good time. Rollerskating on the other hand, not a big fan.

All in all, good times.

A Lack of Words...

There is really nothing new going on in my life that I feel is worthy to blog about. But, for the most part much of what I blog about is pointless anyways. So I will give you a run-down of my last few weeks.

I was at home for a week with a ball-bustin' flu. That was no fun. It wasn't like a throwing up type flu, just a fever of 104 degrees for nearly four days type flu. But, in that time I did manage to read a book and crack off a book review about said book.

Missing a week of school sucks; trying to catch up on all the missed readings, writing 2 papers and 3 exams. Oh well, tomorrow I am off to Alberta to hang out with friends and hopefully get into the mountains at least once!

Be well, friends.

Scatter-brained...

I feel like these last few weeks have been just a blur. I went home for Thanksgiving which was good. But whilst being at home enjoying the luxuries of Norquay (ha), I was studying which is not my idea of a good time. When I got back to Prov on Monday I got sick with a cold which is also not my idea of a good time.

Do you ever have those times when you can't seem to slow down? My mind seems to be racing all the time thinking about friends, family, my future, and God. I can't seem to focus on one thing and that troubles me a bit. But in the midst of all this, I am trying to find rest and hope in this dissonance. The way I see it is, at least I am thinking about all these things. Right?

Be well.

A Change of Scenery...

Lately I have been thinking much about the thought of place. Where do I exactly fit in? Is this where God wants me, or am I just too blinded by many other things to discern where He wants me?

I have come to the realization that after being at a certain place for a while, I soon feel the need for new surroundings. I get bored real fast with the same monotonous things. Not to say that Winnipeg is very monotonous, there are many different things going on that I could be apart of. But I just really enjoy being in new surroundings. Whether this is something that God is telling me or if this is something that I am just saying very selfishly is another matter. I am not sure.

Just one of many thoughts going through my mind. That, and how much I will miss seeing the beautiful Rat River from my window...

God's Plan...

The thought of God having a specific plan for me is one that has always troubled me in a sense. Do I not have any say? Do I not have some sort of choice in the matter? Are my decisions already pre-made for me and therefore part of His plan?

I have lots of questions and not too many answers. That is okay. Actually, these questions look a little ridiculous after I have read them over again but I still think they are relevant.

I guess sometimes Gods plan and our plan don't exactly line up. That's the way she goes. "Life goes on man."

Something's Missing...

Well another year here at Providence College is underway and it is really good and I am very excited for it. It feels so much different than last year. My best friend is my roommate, I am in a quiet dorm, and I know more people coming into this year than the previous. But in the midst of this familiarity and contrast, something feels like it is missing.