Shanah Tovah

I have done an incredibly poor job at posting frequently on this since moving to Denver. Though, the social and academic demands here have rendered me unavailable to update this blog. My apologies. It truly has been a wonderful journey coming back to the Mile-High city.Some things picked up exactly where I have left them, and others have utterly been lost. All is well, the memories will not fade. I have met some beautiful new friends (kaitlyn, stephanie, sammie, alyssa, hannah, sara) and also reestablished community with my previous relationships, as well... at least some of them.

My course load at the university keeps me occupied, but delightfully so. I spend many hours surrounded by inviting books in our library and also in crowded coffee houses. The favorite course I am taking is Integration of Psychology and Theology. My professor gives us much freedom in the class to dive into what is interesting to us as individuals, although she expects hardwork to couple with our creativity. We were prompted to create a thesis for the class which is worth the majority of our grade. After careful consideration, I chose to write my thesis on love. I am so intrigued by this word. Perhaps, I always have been. Its allusive nature creates quite the mystery to me. As Christians, the Lord calls us to love Him, love others. He constantly uses the word love in scripture as an action. If this is the greatest commandment, how does it transpire purely? How can we acheive this? Is it even within reach? My inductive research will include thorough studies of books and theories of love, first hand interviews which will be filmed, and articles, too. I really want to acheive not only a scholarly answer to the discussion of love, but an answer that strives to grasp the intangible idea that is love that is so closely related to our need for love. Not just romantic, either. I heard someone once say that an artist's work is the expression of his natural instict to grasp what isn't tangible. This is my aim. I approach this thesis in the utmost respectable and delicate manner. This thing, that makes the world go round, how can we define, show, and appreciate it? Or can we at all. Anyways, I'm really excited.

Bible studies have begun, community dinners have taken place, and much laughter has warmed my soul. Concerts have been enjoyed, churches have filled, and passion has pushed my stride forward. I have been intellectually stimulated, yet not quite satisfied. My thirst for knowledge of the intangibles like love, joy, freedom, and peace has once again come to the surface. Music is the only comfort to my wrestling heart. Treasure House has welcomed me as a volunteer, where I've started babysitting again. New, beautiful women and children occupy the home, each so uniquely delightful to me. I have no notion as to what they will teach me this year, but I'm ready to assume my rightful position as student, and experience their stories with open ears.

According to the Jewish calendar, today marks the beginning of the New Year. "Shanah Tovah" means Happy New Year in Hebrew. Last night, I hosted a quiet shabbat dinner with Kailey and Kellie. There was singing, praying, and much pondering. What will the new year bring? Which relationships will strengthen or wither. Which adventures will we go on? The clock ticks and only it will tell me the story of what this year brings. Unfortunately, I lost my watch. I will look to the stars, instead.

melanie