That which is up

for those out of the loop--

i'm in new jersey now.

on the down side, the apartment was a wreck when we arrived.

on the up side, my housemates are fantastic. we were cleaning-painting-moving troopers, and we have filled this apartment and subdued it.

it's been a crazy busy week, between that and sundry. lots of administrivia--computers didn't acknowledge my existence till friday--and since i'm indecisive i've been going to all of the classes. i'm only just getting going with the reading. but it's been quite a good kind of busy. lots of the time has been filled with rambling nerdy conversations of the best kind, other bits of it with reading interesting books, and still others with the comforting trivialities of grocery stores and washing dishes and sorting books and such. since i went for a run with jenn yesterday, and went to church today, my life is starting to feel more real and balanced. main deficits right now are a bed, a bicycle, and the internet. other than that, my cup pretty well runneth over.

i was an episcopalian today, which was really nice. i love the rhythm of the liturgy, and the eucharist felt celebratory, you know?, a kind of reverent triumph. something seems right about a service rising to its climax at the communion sacrament. and we ended with one of my favorite hymns:

God of grace and God of glory,
on your people pour your pow'r;
crown your ancient church's story;
bring its bud to glorious flow'r.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage
for the facing of this hour.

Lo! The hosts of evil 'round us
scorn the Christ, assail his ways!
From the fears that long have bound us
free our hearts to faith and praise.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage
for the living of these days.

Cure your children's warring madness;
bend our pride to your control;
shame our wanton, selfish gladness,
rich in things and poor in soul.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
lest we miss your kingdom's goal.

Save us from weak resignation
to the evils we deplore;
let the gift of your salvation
be our glory evermore.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
serving you whom we adore.

i don't know if i can see making this church my home, but it was very good to be there today.