Power of Water

Do you ever stop and think of the complexity of water. Maybe not the chemical breakdown, but the sure duality as a life force and destructive menus. On my first weekend in Chicago I say first-hand the sheer madness of water.

After being in the car for fifteen hours the day before, I took it upon myself to make my way to the lake shore. There is no better way to explore a city then to shove on your sneakers and get lost in the hustle and bustle while figuring out your own way. (Luckily Chicago is a grid system, so I actually don't get lost all that often!) Out of breath I reached the lake, my burning legs stumbled to the rock wall, and I collapsed on the cool granite. Before me the majestic beauty of a seemingly endless body of water calmed my anxious heart as I sat back and reflected on my relocation to Chicago. The gray sky kissed the deep blue abyss that could have gone on to eternity....or to Wisconsin:-) It was this sight that started my reflection on the power of water. By far my favorite aspect of Chicago to date is Lake Michigan. Sitting before the shimmering liquid, abandon to any worldly concern, I search for God. Asking the hard questions in the peace of the stillness that lies before me, I find grace, answers, and mercy. Laughing at how something as simple as a lake could make me feel the power of the creator of the universe close at hand. As hours rolled on like moments, I finally picked myself up and made the trek back into to the city. Relaxed and full of joy at the prospect of the future. Thankful for the simple beauty of water.

However, that night water turned on the city. It started as a light rain, but as Friday turned into Saturday and Saturday turned into Sunday, the entire region of Albany Park registered the most rain in 137 years. The river had overflowed onto the streets, three buildings on North Park Campus were evacuated, local residents forced out of their homes, power outages left and right, and mass chaos erupting on every corner. Water...simple H2O... coming from the sky had pulled the city to a halt. Again, laughter came forth as I reflected on the complexity of the effects of water.

More then a week has now past and the flooding has subsided, the neighborhood is practically back to normal and the craziness of the flood a distant memory. But water, water remains. What is it about water that makes my heart seek the goodness of God? Perhaps it is the nature of water.....it can smooth the roughest stone, cut through the deepest rock, it is necessary for the preservation of humankind, it quenches the greatest thirst, and the simple beauty of a larger body of water brings hope to the hopeless.

Who knows? All I know is I love the Lake and am thankful for each drop of water that comes my way.

Chicago!

Thirteen and a half hours after setting off from the great state of Connecticut, Alisha and I arrived in the Windy City. The trip was great...I loved driving cross-country...did you know that the speed limit in Indiana is 70mph? I freakin' love Indiana! That was just one of the many highlights. There are pictures to come but my computer is being weird so those will have to come in a later blog.

Even though there was a bit of loopiness due to lack of sleep I thought it would be a good idea to go to the House of Blues on that first night. It was fun...I did fall asleep...and the El...and practically slept walked home...but hey, go big or go home, right?

As for Chicago...I'm not going to lie, it still all feels like a dream. Here I am taking this leap of faith, but it feels more like a random road trip then a move. Although, I signed my lease today so that is pretty permanent...I guess it will take a while before it feels like home...probs after I get a job!

I am excited to dive into the multicultural neighborhood, explore the city, and enjoy the Lake. While I might be freaking out a little, I also rest assured on the fact that I don't need to have it all together. So until next time...

Packing up the car

There comes a time when the crap needs to get in the car.

The idea of moving, the concept of change, the dream of things to come is fine and dandy, but without action it's all just vapor.

If God has taught me anything this past year it is, "faith is an action." God did not say to Abraham, "Here is your new nation...you should go there,"...He said, "Get out of your country to the land I WILL show you." (Genesis 12:1) If we want to see God move then we can't stand idly by. If we want to hear God then we have to take our ipods out of our ears. I have absolutely no idea what the future holds. I don't even know what it will look like. But I know God goes before me (Psalm 16:8). I know that I plan things in my heart but He directs my steps (Proverbs 16:9). And I am excited. Sometimes I feel like the world wants me to work out the logistics of every path that I will take, but that's not reality. That is not how life works. Even if I planned out everything...plans change. Heck, I thought I would be living in London working for ChristChurch right now. But God knows better the plans He has for me. And all I can do is trust that and take a step forward.

So that is what I am doing. Tonight, (well technically tomorrow), at 3am Eastern Standard time I will embark on my cross country road trip! Connecticut to Chicago in 15 hours. With hope and in faith I get in the car, crap in tow:-) I'll let you know how it goes...