HeartTime

Lately I have been reading One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp (which, I recommend if you would like to see your whole life change in so many ways). It is such a beautiful experience to look at each moment, live in each moment, and find the gift of each moment. For the first two years of grad school I would say, "I have no idea where the past year has gone and I don't really remember anything." How unfortunate! The only sweetness we really have in life is to be able to enjoy these moments that make up our lives, these moments that have been graciously given to us. Keeping our eyes and hearts wide open to receive all of the beauty and love and gifts surrounding us. To purposefully be aware of how delicious my warm coffee tastes in the morning, feeling the heat of my coffee mug warming one palm, while my other palm is being warmed by the strong grasp of the man I love. To keep my eyes and ears wide open for the tune of an old man whistling as he walks down the street, a tune he may have played and perfected for many years. Appreciating a group erupting into laughter like a volcano, with one individual who has an explosive, deep belly laugh. Noticing the way that the shadows fall in the afternoon while a cool breeze pats my forehead. Feeling sweet, soft, delicious baby skin beneath my lips with little tiny sized movements in my arms.

I am often overcome by the stress and "urgency" of life, but I find it interesting that in the most stressful of times in the Bible, Christ slowed down. He slowed down to pray and give thanks. It feels so foreign and overwhelming to slow down when things become stressful. It is not been my nature to slow down in general, but I am hoping that post-graduation I learn to slow down. To be present in the moment. To keep my eyes, ears, and arms wide open to the gifts of the moment. To bask in God's love by being present, and to earnestly thank Him for loving me so much. To know and recognize His goodness through my gratitude. To soak in all of these blessings. To learn and speak fluently the language of thanksgiving.

This is the woman I want to be.