So I managed to get a painful and quite odd sunburn on Saturday.  I managed to not get burnt on my forearms at all and only mildly on my legs but my upper arms and shoulders got it bad.  I got burnt moderately on my upper back and even on my feet somehow, to the extent that my left foot was swollen.

I took precautions to avoid a burn.  I applied waterproof SPF 45 sunscreen twice (once before I left and then when I had been in the water for a bit) but still managed to end up with the burn.

This whole thing got me thinking about the term "burn" in general and specifically in regards to relationships.  Many times we want deep relationships but we fear hurt that can come if there is some disappointment in that relationship.  So we put on our sunscreen, something to keep out the worst of any pain that might come our way.  Sometimes this works, sometimes it does not.  And those times that it does not make us cautious.  We don't trust as easily, at least for a while.  We may avoid doing things that we once enjoyed, like going out in the sun (but if you know me at all you know of my disdain for that burning ball of gas we call Sol).  And the pain is with us for a while and may prevent us from doing things that we need to do (due to my burn I am in slight pain if I move my arms above my head right now).  Even things that connect us to other people are affected (giving hugs causes discomfort for me right now).

But this too shall pass.  My skin will heal soon enough.  And after a time we let our guard down again, ready to trust once more.  Will we get burnt again?  Probably.  But it's better than sitting alone in the dark.

Edit: This has been pushed back a week.  So it will be starting July 6.

Yep, my work schedule changed again.  As of June 29 my schedule will be:
M-F 9AM-6PM, Lunch:TBD

Yes, a normal work schedule folks.  I'm just as shocked as you are.

I'm going to be out of town this weekend visiting family in northeastern Ohio.  I'll be leaving town late Thursday night and returning Sunday evening. If you need to contact me then call or text me.  And please, for the love of all things holy, do not do anything that could cause me and your other friends grief and potentially ruin your life while I'm gone (yes, this is based on an actual incident).