A Successful Valentine's Day

Some call this holiday Single's Awareness Day or Single's Appreciation Day. Though I am certainly aware of my single status, I certainly appreciate what I have. Today I worked for several hours; I relaxed in my apartment; and I went out to a great dinner and dance activity with some other people. For me, this was a Valentine's Day well spent because I love my job, I love the comforts of my apartment, and I love the company of good friends. I have been in a good mood all day, and though it never had anything to do with romantic love, I feel today has been a success for me. Indeed I have much to be grateful for today.

Mini Golf Course in the Library

The campus library officially set up a mini golf course, made of lots of books, boxes, media materials, and other library items. It was a bit of a challenge to deal with the light foam balls, but I got used to them and had a lot of fun with the course! I am grateful for the creative things my library does every year for Love Your Library Week. :)

Squishy Film Canister

There was a library trivia game at the work meeting today. I correctly answered a question about where to find Bollywood movies, and then was invited up to the front of the room to choose from an assortment of small prizes. The thing that intrigued me the most was a stress ball in the shape of an old film canister, the kind that used to hold movies. For some reason, someone somewhere made this squishy foam object. I grabbed it and thought of my roommate, a film student.

Tonight, I gave him the "stress canister," and he could hardly believe what it was. He very gladly took it. I was very happy that I was able to find a perfect little gift like that--not for any real occasion, but because something reminded me of someone else and I thought that someone would appreciate the thought. I cherish moments like that. I am very grateful for moments like that.

Blind Date with a Book

This week, the campus library wrapped a bunch of books and DVDs in brown paper for people to check out as a "blind date." I picked a book, checked it out, unwrapped it and what did I get? A high school drama: Going Vintage, by Lindsey Leavitt. It is actually a delightful story about a girl who feels betrayed by her boyfriend and swears off technology to live a vintage sixties lifestyle in order to find herself. There were a lot of good insights about the role of technology in the lives of adolescents today. Here is my favorite quote from the book, which I feel is a good summary of the heart of the story:

"It's not that different now, is it? Being sixteen?"

"Adolescence is the same tragedy being performed again and again. The only things that change are the stage props."
                                  --Malloy (the protagonist) and her wise grandmother, Going Vintage, chapter 23

I am grateful for my blind date with a book. :)

Stories from Regency

I will admit that though I have yet to read a Jane Austen book from cover to cover, I really enjoy watching movie adaptations of these regency period stories. The costumes, the settings, the ridiculous amount of social rules and regulations that are never written but always followed by "proper people," all kind of fascinate me. Plus, the music associated with this time period is quite delightful. I am grateful for stories from the nineteenth century, whether they be in the United Kingdom or in America.

The Smell of Rain

It didn't rain much today, but I was outside after the fact and I noticed that I generally like the smell of rain. I was reminded of a children's song about how clean the earth is right after rain, and how baptism by water (the same way Jesus Christ was baptized) symbolizes the same thing: cleanliness. I am grateful for the clean smell of rain.

God Wants Me to Be Happy

This is a truth I've heard and learned for myself for a number of years, and I have seen evidence of it everyday (as I'm striving to express in these posts of daily gratitude). Today, in church, I received specific ideas for how I can focus more on those most important things that will make me happy. I realized a few small changes I needed to make to be more effective in helping to share the love and the truths of God to those around me each day. I know that I am loved by many and supported by many. I know that the one who loves me most and is most anxious for my success and happiness is God himself. Today, I am grateful for the specific promptings I've received in church on what I can do now to be a better man.