Thanks giving for Mr. Naismith, discounted books, & a Home people want to return to...

This weekend was a flurry of homecoming activities that swept me up in the whirlwind & delivered me on the doorstep of the Sunday evening time crunch (you know- the closing hours of your weekend when you are forced to acknowledge that at least 5 long days of work stand between you and your next significant repose). Before it totally passes me by, I'll recap the highlights:

• Midnight Madness- an excuse to celebrate the highly anticipated return of my favorite season, at my favorite time of day nonetheless (translation: late night basketball)- complete with an alumni game, highlights reel (of the men's 2004-05 season), and an intra-squad scrimmage. And to think that 'Roundball' all started as the brainchild of a YMCA worker commissioned to develop an indoor game to provide an "athletic distraction" for a rowdy class through the brutal New England winter! Mission accomplished Dr. Naismith;-).
• A visit to the financially-strapped-book-lovers' wonderland- THE GREEN VALLEY BOOKFAIR. I am offering a pre-emptive apology to all those who will soon be on the receiving end of "must-read" suggestions from yours truly as I tear through the newest treasures to my collection of wisdom imparting, perspective enhancing, entertainment providing written word;-).
• The opportunity to "entertain angels" (or be entertained by them rather) in the form of a Harlem Gospel Choir concert. It's beautiful what His children singin' His praises with purpose & sincerity can sound like... If sounds like these can be made on earth, who can fathom the heavenly realm?!?! It definitely put some rhythm in our bones & joy in our hearts!
• Several catch up sessions with people whose faces have been missing from my life- ranging from my freshman yr college roommate, to my precious co-workers whom travel has stolen from my daily view as of late, to my girl Em & her forever boy (aka- fiance) Daniel whose overnight visit made my weekend, to my girl Kel whose heart speaks my own. Thanks to Homecoming sporting events, the vacancy at "Chez Bel", & the modern day convenience of the cell phone, i got my ever-essential dose of grounding in the knowledge of who I am, where I've come from, and where I'm headed. It's amazing how God uses our relationships with others to further inform the most important relationship in our lives-- the one with Him!

Thanks God!