previously...

Here is a post I started a while ago which I found in Word.  I considered tossing it, but decided putting it up despite it being old.  Could you help me fill in the blanks?  I can't remember and have yet to look them up...

I had a good weekend…

My roommates and I watched, The Great Gatsby, Friday night.  I felt like I’d seen the movie previously as scenes I had once imagined through words on a page, wildly played themselves out in front of me.  As I watched the director’s presentation of colors, music, and conversation bounce around like a child in a blow-up castle, I began to think of the current youth attention span.  Entertaining as it was, I almost felt I needed to surface for air a few times.  But, in a way, I understood the unique feeling attempting to be portrayed, and remained present ‘til the end.  What makes a novel a classic and what are the new classics going to be?

Church was shortened a bit Sunday morning as Ben (from Wannon Water) led the service while they are working on finding a new pastor.  He read a sermon written by a pastor about the rich man ____ who met the beggar, Lazarus, at the ___ gate.  We talked about the dangers of “affluenza” and learning how to trust God.  It sure reminded me of my recent experiences.  How I’ve so easily let worry overtake me.  And that it always seems to fall out the window as things go the way God intended.  He always provides… usually outdoing my original thoughts.  His methods are wondrous and make so much sense out of my own ignorant attempt to live life.  God knows me in a way I can never know myself; revealing more to me piece by piece. 

After service I was unexpectedly invited to family tea (or dinner) by a guy named Ben.  He introduced me to his family who weren't aware I was coming over or that Ben was cooking dinner for them… I felt a little “imposing” but found the situation humorous at the same time.  Turns out he loves to cook, plays a variety of instruments (including the bagpipes!), and along with his dad, has an interest in good wine.  As a civil engineer major, he took on a last year project designing a sustainable method for wineries to produce and sell wine.  After the before dinner prayer, straight from my childhood dinner table back home, the five of us, including his parents and older sister, savored his lightly grilled salmon with a Greek-like salad/salsa of red onion, lemons, olives, and herbs.  It was refreshing to be in a home, with a family, sharing food and everyday conversation.  

I was further excited to be introduced to their beautiful cat, big, hairy cat.  Oh what was his name… It was unique and I repeated it in my head when his sister told me so I would not forget…  I probably would have taken him home with me given the chance…  Ben’s mom went on to tell me how he probably hangs out with the neighbors from time to time. Hey Mom and Dad... Reminds me a bit of someone ;)