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.