unexpected events

Days never go as you think they are going to. Lives never go as you think they will either, for that matter. Today I had much to do -- see a friend preach in chapel, do some research on my apostles presentation in the library, go to class, go to a lunchtime forum, go to therapy, and be home in time for the school bus....all completed, but some interesting things cropped up, as things tend to do....

My friend preaching in chapel stumbled on a few of his words (he said he was nervous, but his voice wasn't shaky -- his tongue just got ahead of itself). It occurred to me then that I haven't yet listened to the recording of my sermon in chapel, which was 3 weeks ago. I wonder if that means I'm avoidant (don't want to hear myself) or if I have very little ego (little invested in the outcome?). Hmmmmm.

The lunchtime forum was on abstinence/postponing sexual involvement, and only 6 students were in attendance. That was disappointing. I don't know if the students on this campus think they know all there is to know about this topic, if they're not interested in this topic, or if they don't plan to work with youth or become parents, so that this topic will never apply to them in their roles in life as pastors or parents.....

Today when I got home, I opened an email from a friend who told me that a mutual acquaintance (in her early 50's) was found dead on her bathroom floor. Disconcerting. She had told her husband she didn't feel well.... This unexpected death made me think of relationships, whether you know the last time you speak to someone will be the last time you speak to them, and what if you have "unfinished business" with them? It's so difficult in so many ways that life is so unplanned. We like to think we know what we're doing, and that we have things always in control. It's a nice if not particularly useful fantasy....