Time Travel

Today I have my iPod on shuffle - its funny how specific songs take me back to a time and place.

The first time I heard Jonathan David Helser, I was on my way back from Lawerence after hearing a lecture by Rob Bell. Helser's flowing vocals and instrumental sections allowed me to continue pondering Bell's topic that evening (mountain top experiences and string theory - lovely!) even as I listened. When "Inheritance" played, it seemed like a perfect wrap up to that evening. It's a reminder that while nothing I do can increase God's love for me, its also true that nothing I do can ever decrease his love for me. Don't get me wrong, there are clear consequences outlined for wrong choices, but God's great love never falters.

Leaning against a car window, looking at the stars that night, I remembered the many blessings God had already given me, and began looking forward to what the future held. Nothing has turned out as expected, but God's love for me has never been more clear than it is today.

That was probably a good four years ago now, yet every time I hear the song (and the lecture that plays in the midst), I remember once more the goodness of my Lord and dream of the future.

So yeah, I most definitely believe in time travel.

Merlin's latest incarnation

The story of King Arthur first drew me through Disney's The Sword and The Stone.

I read everything I could put my hands on as a child, so naturally I ran through every telling of King Arthur and his noble knights that I could. Stephen Lawhead's series remains one of my favorites - he begins on the island of Atlantis and spins a family history both rich and complex. Miriam Zimmer Bradley's The Mists of Avalon kept me up many a night - the story is told from the female perspective and gives yet another viewpoint. In college I was lucky enough to take a class on King Arthur and delved into stories of Gawain, Galahad, Mordred - all the biggies.

BBC America's Merlin first arrived on US television via NBC last summer. When I discovered the SyFy Channel would begin airing Season 2 this April, I was quite happy. The series presents the story from Merlin's point of view. Merlin is just learning magic and works as Arthur's servant. This is definitely a modern take on  the tale, but that's actually the beauty of the King Arthur story. Each telling breathes new life for another generation, driving exploration of the past and interest in the future.

Can't wait to see what Season 2 brings.

Why I Love Television

Say what you want, but television one of my favorite forms of entertainment. I love following shows week to week, obsessing over plot lines and character development, and wrapping myself up in a completely not-my-life world.

Escapist? Definitely. But is that a bad thing?

For my obsessive brain, its more like a necessity. Rather than dwelling on the events of my day (and wondering what I could have done to change the outcomes), I can take a short trip to the Lost Island, The Jeffersonian Institute, or hang out with CSI techs, NCIS agents, and Nerd Herders. Always good for loads of laughs, and a brief respite from the weight of the world.

And that's a very good thing.