While writing my blog, I felt my handwritten notes were lacking, so I’m starting a diary again. In the US, I mainly wrote QT devotionals in a notebook and jotted down thoughts whenever I had a moment, but with most of life happening on smartphones, even the recording of thoughts seems to be becoming too digital.

Last weekend, I went on a ski trip to High1 Resort in Jeongseon, Gangwon-do, with my in-laws. While I often meet and travel with my sister-in-law’s family, it had been a long time since I spent time with my brother-in-law’s family, making this an especially meaningful occasion. Seeing my brother-in-law and his wife, who hadn’t been to a ski resort in ten years, tugged at my heartstrings a bit. I resolved to make more time for trips together. As journalists who often have to work weekends, they’re undoubtedly busy, but I also felt sorry that I hadn’t been more attentive to them recently. My sister-in-law, who is always attentive and diligent about our family’s faith, prepared this trip with a ‘family retreat’ concept. Thanks to her, we were able to study the Bible together. Listening to my brother-in-law’s explanation of the Scriptures, we had a precious time reflecting anew on the meaning of the ‘tabernacle’ described in the Bible. Especially, the geographical environment and history I had encountered while traveling through Israel and Palestine in the past came to mind, making the Word easier to understand.

Even amidst such happy and joyful times, my wife occasionally falls into her own sadness. She struggles even with meditating on the Word, and it seems difficult for her to make use of the one-year gym membership she signed up for with great resolve. I earnestly pray that my wife can break free from her endless loop of thoughts and regain new vitality and the joy of life.