Rain, coffee and darkness

This has been one of those weeks where I struggle to look back and see any accomplishment. It was good on a relational level in that I went on a great overnight pastors retreat and had a number of really good conversations with friends but on a "put a check next to things you accomplished" level, not so good.

It's 6:25am and I'm sitting in the dark. When I got up about an hour ago it was raining. I'm awake alone in our house sitting in my big leather chair. The coffee is from Pete's and I've got a little Hazelnut in it. I just read through my notes on Peace which is the Jesus Priority I'm teaching on this week. There is something about being awake early when it is still dark that I really like. My mind feels most awake at this time of day. Distractions haven't overtaken me yet.

Yesterday one of my best friends called me. Jeff and I started our Doctoral program together about two and a half years ago. Our first trip to class (in Portland) will always be one of my favorite memories. Jeff is both a great friend, an old friend, someone who understands my quirks and a catalyst for making me think in ways that really challenge me. Yesterday was graduation. Jeff was on the fast track with his D.Min and was one of only 4 students out of 18 who finished on time. I decided back in December to take an extra semester to get my project put together. I was really excited and proud of Jeff for finishing yesterday. I don't feel bad that I wasn't done because it was a good decision for my life and family but I do wish that we could have walked together. I'm looking forward to finishing soon. My goal is to have everything turned in by early June.

The sun is starting to come up. It's not raining anymore. The birds are still chirping.

Comments

[Steven]

beautiful post... i felt like i was in texas while reading it. miss you buddy! hope things went well this morning.