Day 2 - Baghdad to Buffalo Gap

This morning I got it right. Up early (5:30 a.m. will always be early to me), prayed "Surprise me, God," then on with the day.

I was invited to lunch with a couple of friends and a USAF chaplain. We ate Chinese food, buffet style, and chatted at length about his recent experiences. Cody has just returned from Baghdad, Iraq. He shared many stories, but the "thread" that ran throughout was his feeling of purpose and accomplishment as he served alongside our men and women in harms way. I think God was reminding me to seek fulfillment and joy in service, no matter where it may lead - no matter the external circumstances. Fried rice and a lesson in living.

This evening, like most Tuesday evenings, a group of friends gathered at our home for bible study. Our theme for the next several weeks goes along with this 30-day experiment, "surprise, me." I appreciated the stories of how several in the group are increasingly aware of God at work around them. From conversations with strangers to unexpected checks in the mail. From schedules interrupted to opportunities for care. If this is but a "micro" look at what's occurring with others in our experiment, we'll have some interesting stories by the end of 30 days.

From Baghdad to Buffalo Gap, God is reminding me that he is large and his blessings abound - even when I don't see it personally.

It's late (or is it early?). Enough already. Good night.