Sci fi

So it maybe no surprise to you that my nerdiness in science and biology is accompanied by an enjoyment of scifi. Though there is this disclaimer that not all science nerds like scifi (my roommate is an example of one who has no idea what she is missing out on).

There have been many times when talking with nav boys and other serious people that I respect that I have felt guilty about my love of scifi. This would be referring to those who only read non-fiction and overall educational material. And don't waste time on fluff.

[Though I will quality that good scifi is written as a reflection and critique of the human condition. But another thing that I always enjoy in books is reading about people and how they tick and think and work. Though the characters are of course fictional, the writers and their observations are not and so you learn to view others in a different way, with different possibilites. Not to mention that I love dreamers who can imagine the impossible, which in some cases become reality.]

So I feel guilty about "wasting" my time instead of reading better books or doing something else (this applies to shows and movies too). But recently, I learned something, rather precious to me. God can use this too. I am quickly become specialized and more of a nerd every day. I have no hobbies and though I used to be well rounded, I am much more cylindrical now. So small talk, which was never easy for me, has become harder. Cause I can talking about the cloning of the RND efflux pumps of Vibrio cholerae, along with the minimum inhibitory concentration, and the expression of the toxin coregulated pilis and cholera toxins while under different regulatory conditions. And I can talk about Christ and salvation and the work that He has already done for everyone and in my life, along with my favorite verses.

And though, I would actually enjoy talking about both, that's not really small talk. And that's not really a good way to start a conversation, especially with a non-believer without potentially scaring them off. But what I can bond over is scifi.

Almost everyday I eat lunch with Kelly. She is actually the one who outcompeted me for the other lab that I wanted it. We share a love of scifi and are actually both reading the same set of books (she's letting me borrow). The irony is that these books are about the only ones in my mom's collection that I never read growing up. And while these books don't make any reference of discussion towards God, there may be future ones that do. Or other opportunities. Or maybe just friendship that will lead to deeper discussions.

But I am so glad that Christ is able to use even this nerdy, sometimes distracting, interest to His glory.