Bits and Bobs

This has been a day of contrasts. I can't really think of a theme to pull it all together into one blog post. So I will just give a few snapshots:

This morning I went with my family to my old church. It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces. In Sunday school the pastor gave a very interesting talk about forgiveness (the parable of the unmerciful servant.) He said that the heart of Christianity is the gospel and the heart of the gospel is reconciliation. Forgiveness is so crucial to a Christian life, but yet it's so difficult. Apparently, Dietrich Bonhoeffer once said, "Forgiveness is pain." The talk gave me a lot to think about.

In the afternoon, we celebrated the birthday of the lovely Sara, my parents' newest tenant - or as I prefer to call her "my new sister." We hung slingers, had cake, sang, and no less than 13 people came over. We had a good time playing board games.

My parents' old friend Ian and his girlfriend Diana came over for the party. Despite currently being in a relationship, Ian (53) always seemed to me to be a confirmed bachelor. About half-way through the evening, though, he got down on one knee and proposed to Diana. She accepted. wow.

So, of course, we had to organize a toast and the conversation turned toward wedding plans.

Most of the guests eventually left, but my dad, Sara, my other housemate Lisa and an English guy named Thomas lingered for hours discussing the financial crisis, online dating, and the future of the Republican party.

So, yes, very interesting and very stimulating. It feels so normal to be here, going to church and celebrating birthdays in our cramped living room. I am not going to think about the fact that it's almost over again. As my friend Leeann likes to say, "We'll jump off that bridge when we get to it."