learning in december and january

Oh hay. It's been a good couple of months. Real good. And with goodness (and badness, but in this case mostly goodness) comes learning. So here are just a few of the zillions of things I've learned and relearned recently.

Lately, I've relearned just how blessed I truly am. And how to appreciate it better.

And because of that, I'm learning how to always say thank you.

I've learned to cook...a little.

I've learned that God and I don't always agree on what's best. And that's a beautiful thing. Because I've learned that He's right.

I've learned a few big words.

I've learned every word to lots of songs I cannot stand.

I've learned that music heals the soul. And that I love to sing. Also, sidenote, I'm fairly confident that Jesus loves loves loves music. And I wonder if he was one of those people who just sing and sing all the time. Like when he walked everywhere. I hope he was. Singing is joy.

I've learned what a difference time make in people, myself included. And when I think about that, depending on the day, I can become overwhelming happy or overwhelmingly sad.

I've learned that Alexander the Great's body was preserved in honey.

I've learned about Jesus. And how his Word is true. And how much he loves.

I've learned that people are icebergs.

I've learned to love winter! And the ever-growing piles of snow.

I've learned that adults are real people with real feelings and real problems. Who knew?

I've learned to never, ever trust a tow truck.

I've learned that sometimes, just sometimes, there is a difference in doing what you love and loving what you're doing--between going where you want to be or wanting to be where you are--between being with people you love and loving the people you're with. And while the first can be more enticing, I've come to find so much joy in the latter. And then the two become the same. And that makes happy.

I've learned about dinosaurs.

I've learned the things that make laughter and make joy. I've learned how important they are. And how accessible.

I've relearned that no matter how hard I try, I'll never be a really great bowler.

I've learned that making others happy gets you like 97% of the way to being immersed in gladness yourself.

I've learned that before 2am, conversation > sleep. Always. But before 2pm, sleep > life. Always.

I've learned how people and interests and priorities change, but the right ones tend to stay right where they are for you.

I've learned that I have so much to learn.

And that I can't wait to keep basking in the the continual newness of life. What gladness.