on grief and love

I went to a funeral today. I used to think death was easier if it was expected (with a 1.5 yr battle with cancer, we knew this day was coming). But it's not easier. I suppose it's because we were never meant to die.

I went to a friend's party right after. We had a do-over birthday because last year was the big 3-0 and it was lame. But in God's extravagant love, on this year's birthday, she got engaged.

Naturally, this dichotomy couldn't escape me. On the one hand, a life cut short. On the other, a dream-come-true do-over. But we all know that real life doesn't give do-overs. She didn't actually turn 30 again. Real life gives one shot. And that road to blessing is often wrought with thorns.

You know how at weddings most people look at the bride walking down the aisle? Well i'm the girl who looks at the groom. And in this funeral, I didn't look at the guy in the casket at the end of the aisle. But I looked at his wife. She didn't wear black. In fact, she wore a beautiful turquoise dress. And I don't know this for certain, but my hunch is that this was his favorite dress on her.

You see, this guy who died, he lived like a champ. And he loved his wife. Not in the newspaper obituary "he is survived by his wife, whom he loved" kind of way, but in the you can see it in his eyes on every slideshow picture, kind of way. And she loved him too. Through every inch of those covenant vows. For better or worse, in sickness and in health, for as long as we both shall live.

So through the funeral and the party and the swing dancing tonight, that's what i've been thinking about. I want to love and be loved just like that. That's my far-fetched wish. Don't get me wrong--I also thought about Christ and how all of this is only possible through Him--but that's another post of its own. For now, this is my raw, unfiltered emotion. I should be grieving a friend. Instead, I find myself hoping for a future. Not hopeful, mind you. Just hoping. It's a jaded hope, but hope nonetheless.

Grief and hope. Mourning and dancing. Love lost and love found. These were the themes of my day. (Which means if you asked me how I was doing and I said "fine", I lied).

Happy Birthday John!

Today marks the 500th anniversary of the birth of John Calvin. For your weekend celebration, why not check out the free download on itunes.rts.edu of "The Calvin I Never Knew" by Dr. Frank James. Or, pull out your bedside copy of The Institutes and read your favorite book.

Want some John Calvin trivia? He and Thomas Hobbes were the inspiration for one of my favorite comic strips ever, Calvin & Hobbes. And just in case you were wondering about my political philosophy (tipping the hat to Hobbes here), I prefer John Locke.

I'm publicly embracing my inner nerd.

on justification for holding a grudge

Dear David,

We have gone over this before. While your post, admittedly, was funny (and pastorally persuasive), you are not off the hook. I double-checked and I was removed again from your blog! I do not want to be under "show all." I want to be a part of the permanent link collection. I have earned my rightful spot. Here's why:

1. While I certainly don't rank higher than The Good Book or an encyclopedia, surely I am more important than the World Clock. It is a clock. Is it really that important that you know the current time in Ottawa? I don't think so.
2. I feel better about myself when random people visit my blog. Stop barricading their opportunity (and consequently my good spirits).
3. I write you personal blog posts. Few people warrant such treatment.

I could continue, but you get the point.

Make it so,
the offended one.

coffee drinks illustrated

priorities

What if Starbucks marketed like the Church?