Maybe God is Just Really into Aesthetics?

40 essays in around 100 words #22

I am becoming more and more convinced that God’s whole purpose in everything is to create beauty. A single match lit in a dark room allows us to notice all of the complex colors and movements of the flame. A story of redemption, beauty from ashes, from zero to hero, these are our favorite kinds of stories. They capture a beauty that a vanilla life does not. It’s like perhaps the cosmos is this giant work of art. As with most great works of art, it has to go through a period of ugliness, of pain, on its way to greatness.

The Journey to Pakistan in 100 Words

40 essays in around 100 words (This one is exactly 100 for the fun of it) #21

I am sure as a child I did not know Pakistan was a country. A trip to California expanded my world beyond Kansas. A trip to Mexico (obviously to build a house) got me past border patrol. At 20 I got my first passport and went to Thailand with my university. Then I spent a semester abroad in Kashmir. That birthed a fascination (obsession?) with Pakistan. Also I had a very small, very miniscule start on learning Urdu from that. After a variety of twists and turns I found a way to live here, and alhamdillulah it has been fun.

Upon seeing this picture, one Pakistani friend said, "look at little Caprice! She has no idea she'll one day live in Pakistan and travel around and speak Urdu."

The Rebel Within

40 essays in around 100 words #20 (halfway there!)

I used to hate the part of me that wanted to rebel. I told her to sit down and know her place. I mandated her to only show up in non-controversial ways, like by not replacing an empty toilet paper roll (sorry roommates). A few years ago, I experimented with making peace with her. I realized she’s not scary, but actually pretty fun. She is the reason I don’t live in Kansas. She has often kept me safe. She helps me know when submission is not the right choice, even if it’s the expected one. I realized she’s a better friend than enemy.

The rebellious one bought the scooty. She also allowed a man to ride on the back. I can't control her.