"He also told them this parable: “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit? The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher."

"The disciples did not understand any of this. Its meaning was hidden from them, and they did not know what he was talking about."

Unblind me...

chewing on this

L says that Brother Dale says that
God's will is that you never take the initiative.

the threat of an all too familiar complacency.

too much (scratch that, lots of) opportunity and blessing
in sun as much as rain, must not forget:

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer* and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

Hebrews 12:1-3


*The older version of NIV that I've memorized before says "author". Pioneer vs. author? Hm.

the shrewd manager

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own?..."

Wrestling with the meaning of this bizarre parable.
One thing I do know is that I've been praying for a wake-up call/motivation to "get my head on straight", as Dean said, and work hard with what I have (fish market TWELVE MORE DAYS, academics in general, Korea plans, keeping my word to almost-friends and close-but-not-quite-dependable friends). Maybe this is it. It's so easy to walk around with my head in the clouds, with a deceptive passiveness and optimism labeled as faith. I...just need to do things.

Also, v. 14 and 15,

“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus. He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God’s sight.

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In other news:
Really enjoyed yesterday's pin-up discussions. And we finalized the rooming situation, and SIGNED THE LEASE. Everything really worked out better than I imagined and I am so so grateful for the opportunities He gave me through this somewhat difficult process and the opportunities I'l have during OC life.

INDECISIVE D: