This past weekend the sun was out, the sky was clear, and I was going stir crazy inside. (If you know me, then you know what I am talking about) I may have literally been twitching. Miles must have somehow tapped into my brain, because he asked if I was up for an excursion to the park. YES! So, an hour on the metro later, we left the gloom of the underground and found our way to the park. We walked through tree-lined pathways until we came to several churches that were nestled just off of the river. Like the rest of the Orthodox churches in Moscow, they were grand and beautiful on the outside, and humble and cozy on the inside.
We then made our way to another large church, surrounded by a large concrete wall. The cutout archways in the wall perfectly framed the scenery behind it. I could see a bright blue sky and the Moscow River rippling under the sun - I literally took off running. It was so beautiful my words and pictures could never do it justice. It was hard for me to realize just how much I loved nature until I was deprived of it. For lunch we packed sandwiches, and we sat on the steps of the bell tower to eat. As I rested against the ancient building, the bells began to play and the wind danced across my face – it’s the happiest I have been since I’ve been here. I could see the city from here, and had a new appreciation of it. I felt part of Moscow and knew that, in some small way, I would now be a part of its history. Ah that wonderful feeling of being tiny. :) After lunch we walked along the river, thrilled to see the ice had melted. After being cooped up all winter, the river was now free and moving under the sun, and the local ducks were joining in its celebration. Exploring a little further, we found a small wooded pathway that dipped and curved through the hillside. The birds began a light tune, and the wind’s quick gusts and stream’s steady trickle joined together in a forest symphony. 
Before I go to sleep every night, I lean over and mark the day off of my calendar. As I flip through it, though, I can’t help but think ahead. Pictures in my mind turn with each flip of the calendar page. June and July are blurry, but they are sunny and warm. I smile at August because I know I will be home by then. School will have just started and I will be stretched out under the shadow of the flagpole. Yes, August’s picture is definitely the LSU parade grounds. September will be busy. School will be in full swing, as will the sleepless nights. It will be filled with routines, alarm clocks, and coffee. Pictures of the coffee house and pajama parties in studio fill my mind, and I change the page. October is painted in purple and gold. Cheering, singing, and football dominate my mind’s view. The air is changing, and it is fresh and new. Excitement rides along the cool October breeze, as I tighten my scarf and stand small in the stands of Death Valley. On and on I flip, and on and on the pictures come until I rewind back to march; to the present. I realize that I hardly acknowledged its space in the calendar. I live out an incredible day, but give it only brief acknowledgement before crossing it off and flipping to April – to the future. Once again, my mind is months ahead of my body, and I am daydreaming about tomorrow. Its silly really, when you give it some thought. Neither April nor May, nor even tomorrow are guaranteed; however, today I do have. Today was given to me, and is filled with the joy of knowing Him. Each small box that marks the days on the calendar is like a perfectly wrapped gift from the Lord, bought and paid for by Christ. 
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