It is strange how the landmarks that you pass on a journey that signal you are getting closer and closer to the end of the road are the same landmarks that, at the beginning of your return journey, remind you that you are only just beginning and have quite a ways to go.
Last Wednesday, we had beautiful weather. It was still quite cold, but the sun was shining and everyone seemed to be in good spirits. Upon seeing the forecast, I decided I would walk to school; I was accompanied by my trusty-lucky iPod who makes a great walking companion. I used the 30-minute stroll as a preparation for the rest of my long day, breathing in the fresh morning air, smiling at passerby, and mouthing the words to songs like Phil Wickham's "Safe" and David Crowder's "Shine". It was an exhilarating experience, and one that I am attempting to repeat every morning, provided the weather acts in my favour.
It was on my walk back home that evening that I had the thought I have shared at the beginning of this post. As I was passing the "New Born Coffee Shop" and the "Hand Car Wash" that, earlier that morning, had let me know I was only a block away from my final destination, I became aware that now, these landmarks signaled that I was scarcely two minutes into my delightful half-hour walk. Chris Tomlin's "How Marvelous" accompanied me on this leg of the journey, and I was struck, for the umpteenth time, by the majesty of the sky over the Thames.
I am reminded, solemnly, that I am held every day and in every moment by the same "arms that were nailed to the cross to break our chains and set us free."
I'm so unworthy, but still You love me.
In other news, I spent this past weekend in central London with EuroLearn, the study abroad program through which I came to Kingston. It was a great weekend during which I got to meet lots of other students who are studying in the UK for the semester. We also saw Billy Elliot (a highlight for me, as a dancer) and visited the Tower of London (one of my favorite places in the world).
Tomorrow I have to perform lines from Merchant of Venice for my Shakespeare class. I will be quite glad when that is over! On Thursday, I am going to meet up with a friend in Central, and on Saturday, I am going to Stratford upon Avon and Warwick Castle. Big plans, y'all. Also: I booked my plane flights for Italy and Ireland for spring break, which is coming up quickly. Expect lots of photos in the coming weeks.
Love,
lvp
Your opening thought is one that I often experience. Not only with landmarks, but with milestones in life. Thanks for sharing so beautifully as you experience this time.
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