Met God in a park yesterday. Just sitting on a bench with a friend talking about life, faith, and simplicity when I looked up and saw three clouds in a perfectly formed smiley face above our heads. There was even a star for its nose. Okay, so there was a brontosaurus cloud formation too... but it still made me smile to connect with the Maker in such a simple way... to know that there are signs of Him all the time that I miss amidst my worry, fear, and stress.

I get told I think too much, and yet when I try to stop, I THINK about trying to stop instead of just stopping and going simple. LOL. The constant over analyzing of life makes it hard for me to be very settled about anything... but I can say that when I know something, I then know it for sure because peace doesn't come very often. However, I'm not sure if it's better to have a peace more often about everyday things, or to wait to have peace about BIG, important things. Sometimes I don't think I have a choice.

Kids are the most affirming demographic I've ever met. I say this loosely because I'm not quite sure how much is said as a form of manipulation to get on one's good graces hoping for a longer recess, more snack, etc. Yet, I like to error on the side of believing their sincerity when it comes to receiving compliments about my shoes, skirt, earrings, and overall 'pretty'-ness. My favorite line though would have to be the random "I love you"s scattered throughout the day. Good grief, who wouldn't want to be around such compliments?

Of course, they are also the most expressive group I've ever seen as well. Losing a sandwich, being teased by a friend, not getting to finish coloring one's picture, or being cut in line are ALL reasons for a MAJOR meltdown. (complete the visual picture with a red face, curdling sobs, hand flailing, and sullen lips). They have tremendous highs and terrible lows. They are, after all, children.

There is a point of development where the pendulum begins to balance out... not sure if that's an age, or marked more by specific experiences... but I know 'matured' adults do not carry on in the same way... Perhaps the same emotions are there, but people learn to cope? learn to let go? learn to not care about such highs if it means avoiding low-lows? I dunno yet. Much about learning remains yet a mystery to me.

All I can say for now is that I'm blessed. I work with two awesome women who are believers and are a great encouragement to me to keep going. A summer job I love, a handful of local friends who I can call, and a good God who has given it all. I don't need all the answers... quite yet