today's progression

When the day started, I was feeling like a bear. I began this blog with "the optimistic viewpoint". Well, had I read it this morning, I would've told myself to shut up. It wouldn't have mattered what happened today, I was going to be annoyed by it.

Here are some highlights that God planted in the day to pull me from my angry-bear-self:

1: Hearing Debi's voice - my incredible girlfriend called me, and we only had ten minutes to talk, but she said "I wanted to hear your voice before I go to sleep tonight." It doesn't matter what kind of bad day a person is having...when the beauty of your life calls and you hear her voice, you know the day just got better.

2: Mei - is there a cuter Japanese baby girl? Her winning smile and chubby cheeks say it all.

3: Chopin concert - okay, it was a little long...but I got to immerse myself in a beautiful piano recital that featured one of our LST friends, Sachiko, during today's national holiday (Bunka no Hi = Culture Day).

4: Bn'B -tonight's class was hands-down the best class we've had this fall. We studied John 10:11-30, where Jesus identifies himself as the Good Shepherd. It's an intimate passage for those of us who belong to Him. Introducing that idea to people is one of my favorite things to do as a missionary. We asked the class who they identified themselves with in the story. Chihiro and Chiyo are the 2 non-christians who continue to amaze Ben and I with their responses. Tonight Chiyo said, "I'm a sheep, but not Jesus' sheep yet. When I come here, I have time to learn about Jesus. As a sheep, I am afraid of the wolf, Satan, and I know that I need Jesus' love and protection. Some day I hope to be one of his sheep."

Need I say more?