I've commented to a few people about the fact that while I appreciate the opportunity and challenge to go to a new place and meet new people, there's something to be said for the "ease" of being someplace where people know you and you know people.  That's State College for me.  I'm not sure that there's anyplace else I can go where I can't help running into someone I know every time I walk down the street... and that's a good feeling.  It's my "Cheers."  Unfortunately, I didn't realize how much I miss that town until I was back for the weekend.  I saw so many familiar people and places - I hope my friends there realize how much they truly mean to me, despite my absence.  Now I have to figure out when I can visit again!

On a similar vein, I had the opportunity during my visit to spend some time in silence with God.  I've not had a lot of opportunity to get into nature since I've moved to the city, but with the craziness of getting acclimated to my new environment, I didn't really notice... just like I didn't notice my quiet time slipping away.  The last few weeks I've had a nagging feeling that I need to spend more time with God but that was brought home Sunday morning when I stood on a bridge listening to the birds sing and the creek bubble while the sun rose over the dew.  I remembered God.  I'm not sure how I forgot Him... but I'm glad that He didn't forget me.  Of course, I'm not saying I have to be surrounded by wildlife to get in touch with the Father, but it's hard to miss Him when I do.

Don't it always seem to go,

That you don't know what you've got till it's gone.

They paved paradise and put up a parking lot.

I'm back in Indy now... refreshed and ready to apply some of what I've remembered.  While I look forward to making new friends and having new adventures, I'm not going to let the old pass too far from my thoughts.  And I've rededicated myself to putting my God-time first - even if that means I have to get up an hour earlier.

Before I sign off, I'm posting a comic strip I sketched this morning.  That's exactly what it is - a sketch... but it's therapy to me and I know there are a few people out there who understand the significance.