Day 10: Church, Social, Editorial, and Sunny Breaths of Fresh Air, as Well as a Random Wheaton Spotting!

Day Ten

Today was one of the most perfect days I've had in a long time, and that's considering this has been one of the best weeks of my life. (I know I tend to exaggerate, but seriously, it has been: Got editing leads, grew closer to new friends, met more people who I'm interested in becoming better friends with, got a raise, organized and went salsa dancing, had some previous mindsets altered in a good way, went on the beach, discussed entrepreneurial possibilities, etc. Didn't I tell you?! An amazing week!)

I was really convicted me on a lot of levels at church. It was actually hard for me not to cry, because of various insights. So, while Tullian sadly wasn't there today (he's our pastor), Rev. Herst did an excellent job. My favorite portion was about Bob who came to know the Lord after years and years going to church and singing in the choir. He had just put the Gospel out of his mind, and it took another godly man to really force him to confront his lack of salvation. There are a lot of hard decisions - but freeing ones - that I came to because of God's word spoken straight to my heart. (He preached about Methibosheth in 2 Samuel.)

At one point, I glanced over a couple rows and noticed someone. I did a double take because he looked so much like someone I knew from college. When service ended, I decided to go find out once and for all, because I figured the worst that could happen would be that I make a new friend. But, sure enough, it was TOTALLY who I thought it was!!! It was Sheridan (Mark)!!! We went to Wheaton together, and sold books door-to-door on the same team together in Houston, Texas!! He's absolutely the last person I would ever have thought I'd see again! The chances were totally stacked against this meeting since I know him from IL, worked together in TX, and he lives in MI with his wife. While his wife is in Thailand, he's visiting a friend here and just happened to be visible to me a couple rows down from me in church!! Of all things!!! Oh my gosh, that made my day!!! (If you can't tell by all the exclamation marks.)

Southwestern Company in the summer of 2004

When I went back to my friends, I talked with Mariam about her new blog. The cool thing is that she and I have come to an arrangement (to be further developed) wherein I can use my editing passion. (It's perhaps dorky, but I seriously LOVE editing papers and making things in print better than it was before.) I won't elaborate on that, but all I know is that I could not be more excited! I really hope we can help each other out.

Sometimes the young adults like to go to lunch together, and today was one such day. About 15 of us went across the street to Olive Garden for what turned out to be a rather long lunch. I greatly enjoyed all the people I sat by, because each conversation was an enormous blessing. I got to hear Andrea's amazing conversion story again, got to do some editorial networking with Julie (as well as get to know her better), got to know Eric better, and enjoyed Mariam's company in general. (Not that the huge blessing I experienced can at all be summed up in a simple sentence. It really can't.) Oh yeah, and when I realized that I had TOTALLY forgotten to bring my wallet with me, a friend stepped in for me, ensuring I not have to do dishes at Olive Garden in order to pay for my meal.

To back up, Julie further made my day when she told me about a cousin she has in Boston who is an editor in a publishing house, if I remember correctly. She's gonna see what she can do to get me advice and even some leads in Florida. Um, wow. Thank you Julie! (Oh yeah, and I'm excited about getting baking lessons from her at some point!)

After lunch was over, I went to a Turkish festival with 4 other women. (Liz, Mariam, Andrea, Erin.) It was a perfect day outside and I really enjoyed my time with other women. (Coed is great, but there's just something great and necessary about all-women get-togethers.) I also love the fact that it was a cozy group of women, rather than too many to be able to fit in a conversation with.

Me, Erin, and a cute pony!

I must add that this blog has been such a blessing on my life. It has really helped me keep my focus on the positive aspects of my life. It's also helped prove to myself that I DO have the capabilities (and desire) to stick with something.

However, with that said, I'm going to stop tagging people on my facebook with it though lol. (I'm a bit of a facebook tagging nazi as my "friend" Jim so graciously pointed out.)

Here's to another week full of kindness and proactive deeds.

Laurs, out.