First Quarter Reflections

The first quarter has flown by so quickly. Midterms have come and gone. Papers are being formulated for finals, and books are coming to completion (by coming to completion I mean I am scrambling to catch up on all the readings which I have not done...). Amidst the fury of the finale, I must say that life here is good. Good people, good food, good conversations, good classes, and good sleep (I think that has been the most helpful lately).

Good People:
I have had the wonderful opportunity to meet, learn about, and come to know many, many good people. People with good hearts, sharp minds, and strong wills. People who care for the oppressed, down-trodden, and marginalized in theory, and, as it seems, in practice. People who want to devote themselves to justice and the up-building of those around them. I have met social workers, future church leaders, future public-policy makers, and the probable campaign manager of our next generation politician. Whatsmore, it appears that these whom I have met are not just good people presently, but will continue to be so. For that I am thankful to be a part of such a community.

Good Food:
My dad recently came to Chicago and he was so kind as to take Rebecca and I out to eat. We visited a Brazilian resturaunt downtown, Fogo-de-Chao, which "made me want to be a better person." It was nice to change up my diet from canned soups and pb&j sandwiches to fresh fruit, vegetables and the most incredible selection of meats. It was a beautiful experience. Truly. I don't normally name my eating experiences "Beautiful"... but this definately deserves that description. The whole dining experience made me so appreciative to be in the city of Chicago where such opportunities are possible (although more for the financially privileged). Chicago is a cool place with cool stuff--good food being one such cool thing.

Good Conversations:
Whether its public church (at times) or the DDH basement, there are wonderful conversations which take place here at uChicago. Reflections on identity, God, meaning, purpose, freedom, destiny, culture, social responsibility, economics, and sports, along with the occasional silliness of sarcastic exchanges, all make the experience here so rich. I am fortunate to be in dialogue with a variety of different perspectives, backgrounds, theologies, ethnicities, concerns, and lives. There is much to discover, much to appreciate, and, as always, much to learn.

Good Classes:
Although some may disagree, I have found all my classes (for the most part) intellectually engaging. Public Church has reshaped my approach to ministry, Hebrew Bible has amplified my attention to the detail and constructedness of the Christian "1st Testament", Concepts of Religion in Modern Theology has introduced me to a number of new thinkers with provocative perspectives, and Greek is just plain cool. I think I love language. All this to say, I'm looking forward to next quarter when I can have a new smattering of classes to enjoy.

Good Sleep:
Thank goodness for good sleep. I don't know what I would do without it. Of course, its not good sleep all the time, but its good sleep enough to keep me going. I must say, I have yet to turn on my heater, which makes my room frigid as the season moves toward winter. But, the cozy comfort of my bed is a warm haven for deep sleep. It reminds me of growing up in Oregon. No heating except for a wood stove (which we huddled around to thaw out when we woke up in the dead of winter). Good memories. Good sleep.