Post-Inauguration Glow

Last night as I watched the inauguration for President Obama, streaming live on the New York Times web site, I felt a surge of pride, excitement and awe. Obama's speech was even more poignant than I expected. Inspiring and hopeful, yet realistic. Genuine. The two million or so people huddling together in the cold January weather generated a blanket of warmth and positive energy that spread itself literally and virtually worldwide (even through the circuitry of my little laptop!)

As someone living abroad, I must say that I no longer feel embarrassed to say that I'm from the United States. Recently, one of my friends in Florida sent me a message via Facebook saying, "This is the end of our national nightmare. It's safe for you to come home now." I just might do that someday!

(Photo by Doug Mills from the New York Times)

Post-Holiday Thoughts

Over these past few days, I've been feeling some post-holiday blues, and a bit overwhelmed with projects for the new semester. It's at moments like these (especially when I'm away from loved ones) that I allow myself to step back, and to be grateful for the experiences I've had, and the lessons learned from them.

Sometimes, in trying to find some resolution or closure, it's tempting to look around and find someone to blame, or to begin to feel guilty for choosing one direction and not the other. But I believe that there is a reason for every circumstance. A reason whose origin sometimes extends beyond our plane of comprehension. And we can only look to this with acceptance and an open heart.

(The photo on the right shows a lake scene behind Marketta and Klaus's house, near Pori.)