The sing song chirps of the neighborhood birds filled the air, as the crisp weather blew the sound of leaves rustling against each other to her ear. It sounded like two seasons mixed together: Fall and Spring, yet it did not feel as such. Sitting on the bench in front of her dorm, she began to swing her legs back and forth as she was young.

She thought of the night before, the conversation, the confusion in her heart, the tears she cried. It was a simple conversation; conversation regarding philosophy, beliefs, and the latest German homework.

However, it was the aspect of being silent that hurt her heart. Why did he not let her speak or give her opinion? It probably was a good thing, because putting her thoughts into comprehensive spoken words is usually a challenge for her; she probably would have only made things worse.

Finding herself with her eyes closed and imagining the days of swings and laughing, she discovered she was becoming lost in nostalgia, perhaps so she could avoid the present.

If only she had the right words. She had the knowledge, she had the faith, but somewhere a long the line her faith became a matter of simply knowing and believing, and serving; rather than knowing much about the “non-essential” aspects of her faith. Perhaps, the non-essential aspects to her are the essential aspects to others. In this sense, she needs to be ready in more ways than one – to give reason for the hope she has. After all, this was her heart’s cry.