Random Thoughts

I have several, but none by themselves are enough for a blog. This is a compilation of them in one local.  I don't know if you have experienced or remember orientation in college. There are so many opportunities and groups. Where do you fit? You want to try everything to see where you want to invest your time. I have tried running group, multiple churches, comedy club, contra dance, small groups, coffeehouses, farmer's markets, CSAs. Like everywhere I have lived, I will have different groups for different interests.

I live in Carrboro which is known for being “crunchy.” I was just informed that crunchy is the new term for granola. If none of those make sense to you...Hippy will. I bike to work, bike or walk in town, decide what I will cook for the week based on what I get at the CSA (community supported agriculture). It has been weekly zucchini, but tomatoes are becoming the highlighted item.

I have come to a teahouse in the country to relax and reflect this Sunday afternoon. Friday night at the contra dance, I saw the guy who works at the bike shop, people from a church I visited, people I only see at contra. At the teahouse, I saw a guy who is a member of the CSA. I like this small town feel. It is starting to feel like a community. Even though most of the conversations have been surface level, it is nice to start seeing the same people. This is a town where highly educated people have chosen to live simply, small town lives.

The stage and play area 

Honeysuckle Teahouse

Some of the herbs and teas

I have begun attending a church that is a different culture. From what can be gathered in only a couple Sundays, this church is full of deep thinkers. Many people appear preppy and drive nice cars. Many live the suburbia life and career life well. This is an area where highly educated people have chosen to live in newly built neighborhoods with nice physical items.

I value and enjoy both. It is weird to be in one setting listening to what people say about the other. I have not experienced how unique my lifestyle/dreams are until recently. It seems strange that someone's goal would be to study to serve abroad. To love people abroad. Granted in the world where most of my interactions are with PhD candidates or medical people, the idea of not climbing the ladder or getting a paper publish is not even an option in their minds. These are all important too. In fact, this is one of the reasons I am here to learn. I am glad God has gifted people with these drives and interest so we can all benefit from the new knowledge.

Some of the thoughts I been thinking about from different conversations are as follows:

1)Our desire to be a part of a community is one that is innate. We are made in the image of God. God is communal. God is trinity (Gen 1:26-27). God created male and female. We are supposed to be in community with those who are different than us in a life giving way.

2)Aslan is the turkish word for lion. Alsan and turkish delight play contrasting roles in Chronicles of Narnia that are relevant in our lives today. Turkish delight represents our attempt to satisfy desires with earthly deceptive things. The more we eat, the more unsatisfied we become needing to eat more and more to try to satisfy our desires. The only thing that can truly satisfy and fulfill our desires is Jesus.

3)God valued the human body that he created so much that he became human and dwelt among us. We often want to look good, to meet the standard. We want this even for our food. The produced ranked on B and C scale does not get sold in the stores. Something grown in the garden or a local farm with marks /scars of sun and growth is expected. It is proof that chemicals and pesticides were likely not used. Also the produce was allowed to ripen on the vine/plant until ready to be picked. It has much more color and flavor. Why is it so hard for us to give this freedom and grace to people? No one is perfect. We all have cracks from the weather and growth life throws at us. We, however, work so hard to cover them up and not let people know. We often feel shame is sharing with someone we are not perfect and have daily struggles. 1 Samuel 16:7 "But the Lord said to Samuel.  "Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the hear."

These Heirloom tomatoes are delicious and beautiful inside

Beauty in the unique shapes and color 

Both squash, yet so different. 

4)Jesus did not live an easy life. He did not fit in his culture. He never married, never had a true place to call home, was rejected countless times ( John 1:9-10), was from a carpenter in a not popular town, was misunderstood by many, and had a few close friends whom he shared his daily life (disciples). This has been bringing me comfort. He loved people (lovely and unlovely). He cared for peoples physical needs. He cared for his heavenly Father. He cared for himself. He took time to be alone, time to pray and reflect, time to be in nature.  

I will close with the beauty of some of the details of creation.