I have just realized this very morning how my feelings of or perceptions of someone rely on my last encounter. Other people I know can remember stories, details, and events regarding the people in their lives and view these people as a sum of all of these parts. For whatever reason, I remember very few details about people and see them holistically, but based almost solely on our last encounter. My feelings toward you will hinge upon our last meeting, which will likely override prior experiences. (The exception to this would be someone with a history of exceptionally horrific or exceptionally positive behavior.) This has its benefits and detriments. As a teacher, it allows me to give students a clean slate each day, but as a person, well, let’s just say it makes me feel like I have a long term memory problem.

Perhaps, in reference to my previous post, I need to be more present in conversations and make an effort to really listen rather than just hear.

It’s mid August already. Where has this year gone? Where has the summer gone? Well, at least some of it is still here. It’s 84F in my kitchen. I’m trying to sneak in a few more fun summer activities before the break is over. Granted, I don’t have students for another 3 weeks, but I will be working every day in some education-related capacity until school begins.

Today I made blackberry cobbler with the berries Dawn and I picked, and I shared it with a grad school colleague of mine this afternoon. We had an in-depth conversation, and I learned that most of my important insights about life and myself come through conversations with others. I’m a terrible journal-keeper, but through talking to people, I come to realize what’s true about myself. Last week, I articulated my perception that my priorities are, in order, my relationship with Justin, our careers, and then household duties. This week I realized through talking to Terese that moving to Seattle has helped me live out (or has at least given me more immediate opportunities to live out) much of what Jesus commands us to do in the New Testament. All of this means that I find the art of conversation important, not just for the sake of trading stories or sharing facts, but also for the purpose of self-discovery. Granted, there is the primary purpose of getting to know someone, and it takes a special person to listen and ask the questions that will get you thinking about your beliefs and values. However, this experience has helped nudge me into taking the time to converse rather than just talk.