I've been percolating plenty of thoughts, most of which didn't have time to settle out until this week. Thanksgiving week, in which I am blessed to be visiting my family. I don't think I ever appreciated my family enough before now. Previous blog posts from home are full of complaints. This time, I have none. My family has not changed, but I have. "Boredom" to me now is "quiet" and "rest." Life doesn't move quickly at home, but another word for that is "stability."

I went walking the familiar sidewalks of my neighborhood for an hour today, scuffing through heaps of brown leaves as I strode along. I love my old neighborhood now because it is a family place. People settle here, and they don't move often. In contrast, the area of Virginia where I live now is exciting, volatile, young. There is much movement and a spirit of passion. A part of me thrills to that, while at the same time another part is rooted here, in the solid Midwest. I value my roots.

Time moves very slowly right now because so much is crammed into it. So many "firsts"; everything is new. I cook new recipes, go to a new TKD dojang, and film short scripts for the first time. I am learning Final Cut Pro, working my first job in the corporate world, and paying all my own bills. God is teaching me new spiritual disciplines and cementing Bible verses in my head.

And yes, new friendships, and new and very painful difficulties with previous friendships. But my Lord is so good to me. I raise my voice in His honor, and I know all will be well.  ¶ 2:03 PM