And so it begins....welcome to 2017

It is the 3rd January 2017 and already I can say, "Wow! What a year!" and its only just begun. This makes me wonder what else could possibly be in store for the rest of the year.

Since 2017 has begun I have traveled 17886 kilometers or 11115 miles [approximately]....true story. I have passed through 3 States in the United States, one North African country [Senegal] before touching down in Johannesburg, South Africa and finally making my way home to Durban, South Africa. I have crossed 7 time zones, my poor body is confused and doesn't know what day it is nor what hour it is, but i think i am somewhere in the future.

I started 2017 in ice and snow,  when I landed last night in Durban and it was roughly 26 Degrees Celsius / 78 Fahrenheit and that was at 11 pm. I shed my snow jacket and boots and turned the fan on to attempt to sleep in the warm, humid air. Today was cooler and raining. Yes, SNOW, HEAT and RAIN all in the first 3 days of 2017.

I had spent an awesome Christmas with my "American" family, in Maine, and had to say my good-byes, returning to sunny SA and back to work already. My phone decided to break itself, my toilet seems to be wanting to clog up. My swimming pool seems to be turning green. My cat is fluctuating between a ignoring sulk and demanding attention.

I left 2016 and South Africa, with one suitcase, I entered 2017, and South Africa with 2 suitcases laden with goodies and lots of awesome stuff, including many things that I need to pursue some of my dreams and passions, and also with deepened relationships and bonds.

I am already bombarded with both inspiration and revelation, with plans and dreams and visions mixed with the heavy dose of reality and the mundane routine of the work place. Though that being said, I am hearing some of my bosses plans and its definitely looking like work might become less than mundane....

So ends days 3 of 2017, a year that has already been full to overflowing. . .it will be interesting to see what all God has in store for the rest of the year.

Distracted by myself.

I love skype, it is such a great way to catch up with friends and family around the world. I really appreciated that we can actually see each other because of technology. . . We might be hours away and even at different time zones, but we can still connect, its almost as good as meeting face to face in person.

One of the greatest benefits [and downfalls] of skype is that i can see myself whilst chatting to the other person. Yes, i know i can click on something and make me go away, but why would i? it is so much fun catching glimpses of my own expression and facial features whilst skyping. Sometimes its awkward because you notice behavioural habits that you didnt know you did...but generally its great insight into yourself and how you behave in a conversation. It's also a great tool cause its fun to pull faces at yourself, yes i am aware that the other person can see me pulling faces and probably thinks i have lost the plot....but come on, you are never too old to pull faces in a mirror [or on skype - or for a photo] ...its great for a laugh.

That means that i am often only half listening to the other person because i am so focused on me. Sometimes i miss a part of the conversation or miss their facial expression that can be a cue simply because i am distracted by myself.

How many of us are like this with God? How many, when we come into his presence, are so consumed with our lives, our stories, our problems, ourselves. . . we are so distracted by ourselves that we dont fully see his face nor hear his words. . . Just some food for thought,