Your life is an occasion...rise to it

As a future kindergarten teacher, I have a deep love for children's books and kids movies. The pictures, the simplicity, the creativity...it is all warm and inspiring. As of late these children's past times have struck a deeper cord within me. I watched Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium tonight. In congruence with many children's films, deeper meanings underlie the surface story. For me, the story inspires a belief in oneself, a need for play and creativity, and the importance of truly meeting each moment life brings... "Life is an occasion. Rise to it." -Mr. Magorium. For me, these seemingly obvious truths are often overshadowed by life's business. I am thankful for important reminders that come in such unexpected packages...

Pay Attention

“The unexpected sound of your name on somebody’s lips.
The good dream.
The odd coincidence.
The moment that brings tears to your eyes.
The person who brings life to your life.
Maybe even the smallest events hold the greatest clues.

If it is God we are looking for, as I suspect all of us are, even if we don’t think of it that way, maybe the reason we haven’t found Him is that we are not looking in the right places.”
Frederick Buechner

PF Changs

"You've never been to PF Changs?"
"Nope, never. But I LOVE Chinese food."
"Well, we will definitely have to go when we get back to the states."
"...(blush)...okay"

This conversation on the rooftop of the Mission in Grande Goav, Haiti marked the beginning of a grande tradition in the Sawyer household. On that rooftop, Michael and I had our first real conversation about life as we began the "getting to know you" phasein our relationship. At that moment, it was only as friends. But by the plane ride home, it had become more than that. Michael did take me to PF Changs for our third or fourth date. On that date, he also asked me to be his girlfriend (It sounds very JR High when I type it). I wish to say that he asked me over our romantic dinner, but he claims he was too nervous. So, he waited. He waited until after dinner, after a stroll through the Indy canals, after the start of a movie at his house, and after I fell asleep. Mid-movie I stirred and the question came out. Since then, PF Changs has marked most significant points in our relationship. We go there for every anniversary and most birthdays. We went there for prom, we went there the night of our engagement, we went there after our wedding (I ate a total of three grapes at the reception and we were starving), we went there on our honeymoon, and I am sure we will continue to visit our sweet and sour chicken, kung pao chicken, and white rice for many years to come. Who knew from that first conversation five years ago that a tradition would be born.

Catch-22

Application for master of arts degree in holistic education: What are your goals and objectives for enrolling in this program and how do you plan to use the master's material upon graduation? As I face a snow white word document, currently names Document 1, I begin to feel the weight of my catch-22.

Present:
I spend my morning hours working in the preschool, followed by five hours in the same classroom everyday. These five hours, of course, produce hours of reading, writing, and lesson planning. My evening are also filled with making dinner, doing dishes, picking up my house, and hanging out with the love of my life. In addition, we are blessed to be a part of an amazing church that is being used by God in incredible ways. Mike and I learn, grow, and fellowship with this faith community through small groups, kids' city teaching, and Sunday morning setup. This is my life at present.

Future:
Simultaneously, my days consist of thoughts, planning, and discussion for life to come. Am I ready for my master's year? Can I truly be a teacher? Where will we go after I graduate? Will I teach for a year in Knoxville? Are we suppose to church plant? Will we be ready? What will my role be? How can I prepare myself now?

I find myself trapped in a catch-22 between the present and the future. How can I fully focus on each day while still preparing for what lies ahead? Where is the balance? How do I live and plan without burning out?

undecided...

I am undecided about the shape this blog should take. A journal for my thoughts? A record of how God is working in my life? A outlet for expressing emotion? A form of updating friends and family back home? Or maybe I might check all of the above. No matter what this blog becomes, I hope it amuses, inspires, and interests those who read it. I love starting something new...