I recently discovered something about myself. I’ve felt this way my entire life but only recently put a label on it. I really, really do not like intermissions. For some reason, I always get irritated when it’s time to go stand awkwardly outside and drink overpriced bottled water and eat old candy for twenty minutes while I wait for the show to recommence. I always wish that the show would just keep going, that I wouldn’t have to wait for the finale to come. And this doesn’t only apply to shows, it carries over into many aspects of my life. I don’t like making bathroom stops on trips. I’d much rather drive four hours straight and get there as quickly as I possibly can than take multiple breaks and get there slower. I didn’t like last summer because I just wanted to move onto college and begin the next phase of my life.
Why am I like this? I have no idea. I feel like I’m always in a rush to get to the next place, to be the first one there, to see what lies ahead. I think I’m beginning to realize this because my four week winter break feels like one giant intermission. I loved the first act of Davidson and felt like it was finally gaining momentum when I had step out of the warm, comfortable theatre and into the cold, strangely unfamiliar lobby. The background was fully set, the characters were developing, relationships were finally becoming interesting, and everything was starting to make a little bit more sense when suddenly the lights went up and it was time for a four week intermission.
As I flew home, I felt that same resistance to change, that same desire to sit firmly in my seat and refuse to leave the theatre. But in the midst of all my resistance, I feel like God said (possibly more eloquently than this), “Get your butt out of that seat! This intermission is a time for you to slow down, think about what you just took part in, and prepare yourself for Act II. Stop your whining and start your reflecting and growing.” I think He’s teaching me to appreciate these breaks for what they are: a break. This intermission from school is a chance for me to look back on my first semester, see what I’ve learned, and talk to God about what He wants for me next semester.
So, instead of sitting bored on my butt at my house, I think I’ll step into the lobby, mingle with the other audience members, nibble on a stale, overpriced cookie, and see what I can learn from this break from college life. I’m curious to see what God will teach me. : )
i miss you lar, but im glad you are enjoying reflecting on ACT 1! and i know i am too.
I agree with George. I don’t get to talk or hang out with you as much as I would like, but I can see your desire to grow and use what you have learned to go into this next semester prepared. You have a beautiful heart and I can’t wait to learn all about what you have discovered! Á Bientôt ma cherie!