I'm Back.

I'm Back.
How many different things can one phrase mean? I'd be hard-pressed to come up with a maximum number, but at least two.
1) From Europe. Been there, done that. Twice. (Really, I went twice.) Both adventures have been centered around the European Leadership Forum, as mentioned in the previous post. This time, the trip was with my family: our last as our classic nucleus of 5. (We are about to pick up a winner of a # 6 to go along with our # 3.) Anyway, the trip was our last as a family, and as always, my family never ceases to amaze me. I appreciate them more everyday I am with them, and they frusterate me in new and exciting ways each and every day as well. Thats number one. Europe with the fam: check.
2) Everything else it could possibly mean. Thanks in large part to the Forum: participants, leaders, material, etc., I (though I suspect not really me) was able to revive the faith which I had nearly lost. The Forum included philosophers, theologians, scientists, pastors, and laypersons, all holding strongly to the belief that Christianity truly is the true description of reality. I would be lying if I said I no longer struggle with the doubt which had so clouded my mind and memory, but I can honestly say that my faith has not been more vibrant in well over a year. Being a philosophy student, I have no doubt that my current understanding of God/reality/etc will be challenged come Fall. Yet, the shift that I have made was not towards a logical diagram of God, nor a cut and dry philosophy or theology. I simply agreed to trust in Him who I once trusted. I agreed to believe that life has a meaning and a purpose, and that it is perfectly reasonable to think that humans function better with a purpose and meaning because that is how they were made to function. I am learning, but more importantly, I'm growing. There are still a myriad of important, vital questions that I must answer, but I seek to do that in clear view of the One who has called me.
As the title indicates, this is not a new place for me. I remember well that a few years ago I experienced the nerve-wracking excitement and painful comfort of a life lived in pursuit of Godliness and in relationship to God. So now, as I work towards a healthy and well-thought out faith, I pray for faith and faithfulness, as well as for obedience and the chance to make God smile.
"So, whats next?" you ask. Good question, faithful blog reader. Unfortunately, I dont know. Well, maybe fortunately I dont know. For now, I am working on tomorrow--that it would be a day lived more passionately devoted to God, lived out in service of others. Yeah, I better just stick with tomorrow. (Also tomorrow includes hanging out with the Vaas clan in Columbus and then a weekend up at Kelley's Island with the Bells. SWEEET.) Take care, and God Bless.

Oh, and hang in there if you cant see God right now. Your eyes arent good.

Oh, and I miss Rachel. A lot. <---------------> At least that much, if not more.

Thats all for tonight.