College roommates I've had the time to catch up with- Bri, Erin and Anne.
My apologies to you, my reader, for the lack of blog posts recently. Since being back in Steven Point, I’ve been busy resting. That’s right, resting. Resting in peace…well kind of. If you’re anything like me, seasons of rest in life are few and far between probably because I suffer from “busy-body syndrome” and feel guilty if I’m not being productive. Can anyone relate?
As my launch date gets closer and closer (July 13th), many of you have been checking in to see how I’m doing and what I’ve been doing. Reflecting on the last 3 weeks, I’ve realized it’s been the first season of rest for many years. I feel like a kid whose just been released for summer vacation- I don’t have a bed time, my schedule is flexible and I have time do all those things I’ve always wanted to do if I only had more time. The funny thing is you seem to forget that list of things the moment you have more time…
Though I’ve had a few loose ends to tie up here and there, I’ve been able to spend much of my time reading. Some books have been for fun, some have been educational, and some have helped me grow in my faith. Reading has a way of slowing your life down; enough to quiet the noise around and give you time to process what’s happening.
With that said, I’d like to share with you what I’ve been learning through the books I’ve been reading. It’s like having a book club online…how fun!
Book #1: Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
I first read Catcher in the Rye in AP English class when I was a senior in high school. I remembered loving this book because it dealt with Holden Caulfield’s transition to adulthood. As an 18-year-old transitioning to college, it brought great comfort knowing that other people felt the same tension and fear about growing up.
As a 25-year-old, I’m transitioning to a new season of life. I know what I’m doing for the next 11 months of my life- the World Race. After that, only God knows. I still feel that tension of wanting to be a carefree child but having the responsibilities of adulthood. After rereading this classic, I was first shocked that they let me read this in high school and second reminded why I liked the book in the first place.
Here is an excerpt when Holden is explaining why he doesn’t want to enter a museum:
Nobody’d move…nobody’d be different. The only thing that would be different would be you.Not that you’d be so much older or anything. It wouldn’t be that, exactly. You’d just be different, that’s all…I mean you’d be different in some way- I can’t explain what I mean. And even if I could, I’m not sure I’d feel like it.
As I’ve come back to Point, I knew it wouldn’t be exactly like a museum- some things would change. But for the most part, the things I love dearly are still here. The river is still flowing, my favorite rollerblading route is still there, the Van Arks still feed me, Angie and I still have great conversations, the Schotts treat me like one of their own, roommates still like to chat way too late into the night, Belts ice cream is just a short jaunt, and my Woodlands Church family is ever present.
As I’m packing up my last few things and spending my last few days in Point, I’m thankful for my time here. I know life will continue on when I’m gone, even when I want to return to how things are right now. I know I have two options- I can be like Holden and not enter the museum at all or I can visit as many exhibits as I can before I go.
Though it might make it harder to leave, I’m choosing the later.
In this season of rest, I’m learning to rest in peace and not the anxiety and worry that so easily entangles. All the packing will get done, but the people won’t always be here. Thanks, Holden, for helping me “enter the museum.”
Book #2 coming soon…
"The Last Supper" with the college friends. Matt, Tanya, Travis and Scot.
