Further Up and Further In

(author's note: this conversation is slightly paraphrased due to an imperfect memory. For context, it was held the day I left for Spain) This is straight-up how I function. No lie. Me: "Do you think anyone is ever ready for something that they're about to do?" Friend: *laughter* (kind, not mean) Me: "Why are you laughing at me?" Him: "That's a very vulnerable question. Indirect but vulnerable. Do you not feel ready?" Me: "No, I don't. But I don't know that I ever have been on any of my adventures." Him: "Our definition of ready usually means being without fear. But if readiness can include fear and anxiety, sometimes a lot of fear and anxiety, then you can be ready. Being ready can be being committed and doing what you know is right and what God has called you to. Being ready is also being prepared for what is to come, not just physically but also emotionally. It depends on how you define 'ready'."

Communion Christmas morning Bread in the manger and cup on the cross Redemption is a word that we, as Christians, usually associate with Easter not Christmas. But the truth is that Christ came as a baby to redeem us. His birth began the redemption process and it was culminated in His death at Easter. One does not usually think of Christmas as a holiday in need of redemption. But for many of our staff and residents, it does because news flash:  not everyone has good Christmas memories. You're probably like "Well, duh. This world is broken and full of sin. Christmas isn't brimming over with magic and snow globes for everyone." Perhaps not all of your Christmas memories are positive ones. I registered this fact for the first time when I was 13 or 14. I didn't realize that people had Christmases they didn't want to remember. That last Christmas was a sad and lonely time for them as they sat in their homes with only a pizza box for company. That last Chri