Where is the Beauty?

I don't have anything profound or thoughtful to say tonight.  In fact, I don't even have anything planned to write about.  I just have a need to process and writing gives me that opportunity.  My life is quite different than a month ago.  (I know, that is a very obvious statement.)  I find myself in places that I have not experienced in quite some time.  Just to mention a few, these include...not know the people I am surrounded by everyday; the people I'm surrounded with not knowing me; learning how to be in a classroom and learn, again; in need of a job.  I do not say these things for you to feel sorry for me.  So please, don't.  It is simply where I am right now and where I knew, going into this, I would be.  In time, despite my American desire for instantaneousness (which is a made-up word), this will not be where I shall remain.

For those of you who may be wondering, my classes are pretty fantastic.  I have an excellent group of professors in a wide range of subjects, anything from music to fitness to literature and even philosophy (just to name a few).  I could not have asked for a better floor to live on.  This group of girls is great and I hope to get to know some of them a bit more (and my roommate is awesome!).

I've had a chance to go out and explore the city a bit.  Done quite a lot of shopping (thanks to all for the gift cards from Christmas that allowed for these shopping 'sprees').  I have a view of the Willis Tower and John Hancock Center outside everyday.  I've visited the frozen lake and seen some crazy water creatures at the Shedd Aquarium.  I must say, it has been quite an exciting two weeks and I have so much more I still want to do.  And seeing springtime is at the top of that list!  Alas, it will be one of the last to be accomplished...

My sister had her baby!  I desperately wish I could be there.  I also hate having my heart torn between two places.  This seems such a cliche thing to say, but the best in way of explanation.

The world is such a hateful, hurtful place and sometimes I feel this by the lives intertwined with mine. Sometimes, it's hard to see the beauty in this world.  Sometimes, it's hard to taste the sweetness, to hear the pure melody, feel the warmth of the light.  But I know it is there.  Despite what my senses say and what I feel, I know God is working here and in those lives.  His Beauty, His Sweetness, His Pureness, and His Light will shatter nay, destroy the ugliness, the bitterness, the corruption, and the darkness.  To the world, and to those lives around me, may you find this here and now in Him.  He will one day make all things new and right all wrong.  Of this, I have full confidence!

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