(no subject)
I sit here at my somewhat disheveled desk, still dressed up from brunch, and I am reflecting on the day so far.
I woke very early this morning, dressed warmly and then went downstairs to Carter Lobby just in time to climb into a large van and travel with a number of other Covenant students to Rock City. We climbed out of the vans and searched for an entrance- this proved to be a bit of a challenge, as they were all still locked. Then Amira Mikhail (who is president of PsiChi or something- anyway, she is the one with the keys) raced the rising of the sun in search of a way in. She succeeded, and we made our way to the lookout. While at the lookout, we sang "It Is Well," "He Is Exalted," and "Sanctuary" and the sun rose and filled the valley with the quiet singing beauty of morning light.
Then, after some Bible reading, and a corporate prayer (which was quite interesting- it was a prayer from "The Valley of Vision" and I thought it was quite beautiful and it also made me think about some things that I would not have thought of otherwise), we all split up into small groups (or individuals) and prayed. Isaac disappeared, and everyone else grouped up rather quickly, so Noah and I ended up being alone. That was not our original intention, but it was very good. We sat down and prayed individually for a bit, and I had my Bible, so I read and prayed through Psalms 19 and 37 (which are incidentally two of my favorites and both happen to talk about sunrises and light). Then we both noticed this enormous flock of birds- like the huge flocks of Red-Winged Blackbirds that were all over the place at Vandiver. They were flying up the mountainside in one enormous river of jet-black flight. It was like watching a waterfall work backwards. There had to have been at least a thousand birds. I think that 1500 would be the fairest estimate. It was amazing to see them moving as one. There is something about the way that birds fly so intuitively in sync that I desperately want to understand someday. Then Noah and I prayed together for a bit, and then we made our way over to the hot chocolate and doughnuts.
We returned to school at about 8:30 and we stood in front of the fire to regain warmth and feeling in our extremities. Then we sat and talked for a wee bit. And then we both went to our rooms to take naps before starting the rest of the day.
I was awakened from my nap to my roommates preparing to go to brunch down the mountain. Amy, Hannah, Jota and I joined up with Sav and Lauren on a double roommate date. We went to the English Tea Room and we had tea, scones, soup and dessert. And Jaye had brought her Bible, so we each read a verse that was important to us. It was absolutely beautiful. I plan on going back to that tea room as often as possible. Also- the door that leads to the loo is not just a door to a little hallway bathroom- but rather, and entrance to Narnia. Do not doubt me, it just is.
Then we went to the Olde World Bakery, where Hannah and I bought a long loaf of Italian Ciabatta bread to share. I am going to take my half to Founders tonight so that I might share it with Noah, Ike, Renee, Luisa, and Michelle (and anyone else who happens to be there and hungry). This is exciting to me.
I love Day of Prayer. It is such a soul-relaxing and stress relieving day. It's like I remember again what it is like to be with God in the quiet and the alone times. I think that that is a beautiful thing to remember. I always end up feeling very relaxed and peaceful and very very loved on Day of Prayer.
Now, I'm going to go and work on my paper for American Lit. It is on "The Yellow Wallpaper," which is a fascinating story about a woman who is insane. Hopefully, I shall not become like her, but rather make insightful observations about the story. And then, I'm going to sneak off alone again to pray.