Have you ever felt like, in a matter of hours, you have been transported to another dimension and then suddenly back to your familial surroundings?

That's how I've been feeling with my mediation internship. I step into a new world where people seem almost unreal, where their problems become mine for a while, where I need to sharpen my focus and trust that God will give me insight, discernment, and wisdom as I try to fairly guide people into solving their disagreements, all in a very short time. Boy, I am glad I am not God. I certainly feel for Moses when he was hour after hour listening and solving people's disputes. He might have been exhausted! Thank God for his father-in-law and his wisdom to train and share the burden.

Truth of the matter is, I love what I am doing, and I sense that God is pleased with me by using the gifts he has bestowed on me. Often times I wonder why couldn't He just made me a good singer, or an artist, a writer... something lighter and more popular than helping people carry their burdens and wanting to do it!!! My heart goes out to this lady whose house was burglarized by a male youth, and she is now afraid to go in with her toddler for fear that someone will be there. The fear of being violated is very real and painful. But, I am able to pray (secretly) for her, and that is a powerful weapon that I feel honored to have. I am the daughter of the King, mingling in an unsaved section of the world He has died for also, as much as He died for me and my Christian brothers and sisters.

Life

Interesting couple of days. Yesterday we went back to our "unshaven dentist" and I was considering staying outside but decided I was no coward and faced him. He probably didn't even remember my indiscretion, but Josiah did and got the giggles. We manage to compose ourselves and the visit went just fine.

Today I started my mediation internship with the Santa Clara County, and it was very informative as well as busy. My very first day at the Small claims court co-mediating, more like observing, with an experienced colleague. From there we went to the offices downtown where I was given a cubicle, computer, and phone. And, juvenile offender cases to begin calling to mediate. No time wasted very hands on internship. Pretty much I'll learn as I go with the guidance of a supervisor. I am on overload until I process the information. It was a good day and it felt rewarding. Looking forward to Monday for my second session! Now, must go vegetate on the couch.

Death

I don't like death. Even as inevitable as it is, I still don't like it. It is part of life in this redeemed state we are in, but I still don't like it. I heard that we don't like death because God actually made us to live eternally, and death wasn't part of the original created state He wanted for us. Either way, we are stuck with it, and last night my dear friend's Dad, Atilio, past on unexpectedly after a minor surgery. My friend is devastated, she loves her parents dearly. Her mom was always at her husband's side for over 55 years. They had that kind of relationship that you see in the movies (almost). And last night this loving wife went to sleep on an empty bed. Oh, that sucks my kids would say. As much as I don't like that expression, that's just how I feel. Sorry if I sound down, but I am. I'll be better tomorrow. By the way, I know my friend and her parents since we were 16 years old. They were like family to me.

Ignore any mis-spellings please, my spell check is not working anymore.

Quoting quotes

Some interesting quotes I was reading from a secular Life Management source on "Facing Change":

"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. To keep our faces toward change and behave like free spirits in the presence of fate is strenght undefeatable."
Helen Keller

"Do not go where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."
Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Be not afraid of moving slowly, be afraid of standing still."
Chinese Proverb

Any good quotes anybody wants to share?