regrouping

It was with trepidation that we watched the tents go up in the park by our house yesterday. We waited last night for the noise to start. But it didn't. All today we watched them make more preparations. And tonight about supper time, the music came on. There was a stage for the band and everything. We were expecting the worst. But I must admit—the noise level is not as bad as we expected. With all the windows closed, we can at least think, even though it's a bit difficult to hear the TV.

Which is OK, since I want to give writing this blog a bit more of my focus and attention. This morning I researched blog writing on the internet. Did you know there are blogs about writing good blogs, of all things??? Anyway, I have decided that since I give it an hour or so of my time every day, I should learn how to do it better.

Which is why I'm going to try to get back to my original intent and purpose with this experiment. I didn't actually start out intending to write much. It was mainly my "accountability" to post a photo a day. And not just any photo. A photo of beauty. I was needing to pursue beauty.

And now I realize, I was really pursuing God. I had seen so much ugliness, so much sadness and lostness. I think, as I was looking for beauty, I was really asking, “Where is God in all this?”

And so, as I renew my commitment to find beauty every day, I am also committing to  chart my pursuit of God day by day. I know that some of my posts lately have just been recounting all the events of my day. I know I was dissatisfied with that, and I feel sure some of those reading my blog were as bored with it as I was.

(Don't worry: I realize I actually experience some unique things since I live in a foreign country, and I promise to still relay anything unusual or noteworthy! The photo I'm posting today is a good example of that.)

Anyway, how well did I pursue God today? Not very. I started out OK, with devotions. Took away some good things to think about. But then just sort of fumbled around for part of the morning. I knew it: once the pressure of my deadline was off, I would once again lose my focus and sense of direction. This is very unfortunate, and concerning to me.

However, I did manage to get my exercise in, and then took time to research blogging. I hope as the days go by that I will write with more purpose and focus, and that maybe by reading my journey, people will grow to want more of Him as I grow in my desire for Him myself.

As it is, it concerns me that I can move so easily through a day giving Him minimal conscious thought.

A note about the photo: I actually went out purposefully to find beauty, as part of my renewed commitment to the reason I first started this blog. I did find lots of nice shots. But then I came across a photo that was more interesting than beautiful. Here there is nothing unusual about people of the same gender being physically close to each other. Nor is there anything remotely sexual. They just interact that way. It is more unusual to see a man and a woman close in public. That's just scandalous and inappropriate! But to see it in two heavily armed military men… still a bit much for my western senses. HA! Just one of the many ironies we live with here.