so refreshed.

Good conversation is good for so many reasons, on so many levels.

I also realized today, on the way home from Grand Rapids at about 8:30pm (while watching the sunset) something rather profound. It's simply this: Unexpected kindness leads to opportunities you'd never have imagined. For instance, all I did for my friend Lauren was offer to go and pick her up for church on Sunday night-- which meant driving from Holland to GR back to Grandville for church and then back to GR and then home to Holland again. I don't mind--it's the least I can do for her, and it's really opened up a ton of opportunities for good conversation. Kindness isn't always convenient. That would kind of defeat the point of being kind.

What I especially like about this concept is that it's totally applicable for this year as a Barnabas. I shouldn't worry so much about how I'll relate to people-- sometimes all it takes is a kind word or deed that opens up opportunities that you could stand around waiting months for otherwise. People are moved by kindness more than we realize, I think.

I like to call this "practical theology" because it's truth in life that is at the heart of Christianity, but is also applicable to anyone-- believer or no. This kind of stuff could never be written out in theory without being experienced. It's pretty profound, amazing stuff.

I like what CS Lewis has been teaching me this summer as well. He talks a lot about the dangers of an "unexamined life" and the consequences that's had in his own, and also the rewards of self-intuition and intentional growth. (Sounds like Calvin's institutes, too!) I'm almost done with Surprised by Joy--There's some good stuff in there! :)

This weekend is turning out to be a little bit busier than I anticipated, what with Breakfast with Babies, helping Lauren and her mom move furniture into Lauren's new apartment, and having coffee with Heidi on Saturday, and then Mars Hill for Lauren Winner (!!!) on Sunday night. It's all good stuff, though, and I definitely enjoy it. It's the relaxing kind of busy ;) I think I can handle it just fine because I only work Monday and Tuesday next week (hallelujah) and then I'm DONE! Woo! Which means I have Wednesday to goof off with my momma and Thursday and Friday to relax and pack! :)

Now, however, I ought to go and get some sleep. I think I'll finish my book, though. :)

Much love,
Betsy