Burn Away

And the news reports on the radio

Said it was getting worse,

As the ocean air fanned the flames.

But I couldn't think 

Of anywhere I would've rather been

To watch it all burn away.

- Grapevine Fires, Death Cab for Cutie

I thought I'd escaped fires when I left Southern California. Apparently I was wrong. I escaped the huge forest/brush fires that engulfed hills, valleys and houses, spurred on by the Santa Annas. But I didn't escape the building-burning fires. I just got back from looking at the remains of Gate Cottage, home of Toccoa's counseling department and entrance to the falls. I watched the all too familiar smoke billowing into the sky and heard the crackling of the fire still burning steadily in the basement. I watched flames flare out at the base of the building and some run up the side. It is still hard to believe. I don't really know what to make of it but I know God has a plan. Something great is going to happen. Maybe it wasn't about the building catching on fire but about us, the students and staff, regaining that fire for Him. It may take years for some of God's purposes to become clear, but for now we will just have to trust.

Well, the Weather Outside is Frightful...

I get cold so easily and I absolutely love it. Cold weather is just so much fun. I love being able to bundle up and go outside. I love watching my breath hit the cold air and seeing the flush on my cheeks after I have been walking outside. And most of all, I love walking inside from the cold, into a heated room where I can curl up with a good book, a blanket, and a cup of coffee and just enjoy life. So often I focus on the things I don't like about cold weather. I don't like how my fingers get white and icy or how my nose runs and my ears start hurting.  But those are just natural effects of the cold and I couldn't enjoy it if I didn't endure these small inconveniences. When I'm not having a coffee or icy breath moment, I forget the better aspects of cold weather and focus mainly on my discomfort.

I think so often I view life in the same way. Right now, I am having a lot of good book and blanket experiences. I love the way my life is going and cannot find a reason to complain. But I know times will come when things are not so pleasant - when my fingers will freeze and my nose will run. Those are the moments when I lose sight of the big picture. I forget that God is in control and has a wonderful and complete plan for my life. So now, I must treasure the happiness and contentment I feel and save the memory of this for a sore-ears cold day. Then I can remind myself of all the good things in life - the visible breath and flushed cheeks, the coffee, blankets and good books - and know that the struggle is worth it.