During mealtime these last few days, I've just taken some extra time to observe people in the dining hall. A lot of my pet peeves actually are related to manners when it comes to dining... things like chewing with the mouth open, shaking the leg which also shakes the table, etc. So it's actually funny that I chose to observe people in a setting that could potentially make me the most frustrated. It's amazing to see how people act in social settings. The thing that captivated my attention the most wasn't those people who were loud and having a good time... but it was the people who got their food and looked around to see where they could sit... and then realized that they would have to sit alone because they couldn't see anyone they recognized or wanted to socialize with.

It's also really interesting to see how they rectify their social problem. I remember one time I was eating lunch and this one guy from my dorm hall, who I had only briefly met, asked if he could join me in eating lunch because he didn't want to eat alone. To him, an awkward meal with someone else was infinitely better than a meal eaten alone.

It's amazing to see what the need for friends will drive people to do.

"There is a love that goes deeper than the depths of the ocean. There is a power that conquers death. There is a friendship that is deeper than words can express.

The friendship built on these will never fail, even if all hell attacks it. I want a friendship built solidly on the Rock of Jesus Christ, and on nothing else. That is a friendship that will survive against all odds."

A friend of mine posted this. And you know, I think she's onto something.

I've started school again in a new setting, being away (most of the week) from the things I know to be familiar. And one of the things that I miss the most are the people who I got to know with my time with CTI... brothers and sisters who I've had the privilege of walking along side in faith for a year of my life. I've been craving that community almost every day. And thankfully, through the magic of technology (and the small miracle that is me understanding how to actually use it without it imploding from my lack of understanding), I've been able to maintain that sense of community to a certain extent. It's certainly not the same... but it's been good. At least I feel like it has been.

And then I think of the friendships from long ago. I think to the friends I had at one point in time, but no longer can seem to maintain. And even though I'm the type of person who desires friendships to be deep and will pursue that, I find that those friendships just aren't. what. they used to be. simply because we can't even agree on the basics of faith.

There's a piece of scripture that's been coming up a lot lately. I love what it calls us to do. Hebrews 10 says:

19Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20by the new and living way that He opened for us through the curtain, that is, through His flesh, 21and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 24And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (ESV)

I love all y'all. Thanks for not just being a part of my life, but helping me draw closer to Christ.