I would climb a thousand feet and a thousand more until my legs burned, and my lungs burst. Because nothing is as great a reminder that the world is bigger and brighter than we could ever imagine – that we shine when we give ourselves permission to breathe fully, to surrender recklessly, to soar exquisitely.
My heart is as vast and complicated and strong as the forests and the mountains and the sea. So I have to be challenged. I have to grow. I have to breathe oxygen in ways I’ve never breathed before. Only then does my soul truly come alive – out there in the wild, in the wide, untamable unknown.
We all have a story. Fears. Hurts. Wounds. Losses. Things that hold us back, and keep us guarded, and wreck our hearts. The holidays can be rough for that reason. But I am reminded of the Christmas story. And whether or not you believe in the Christmas story or celebrate the holidays in your own way, it's still a great story. That the would be King of our world would come to Earth and have no where to go -- no celebratory gathering, no extended family visiting, no home. The entire Christmas holiday is based on one refugee's story.
When I think of that, I am reminded that we all come into this season carrying something. But despite our burdens or our circumstances, we all have something to give to each other. Even if it's just a smile. Kindness. Eyes that may struggle to see but strive to sympathize. Hearts that are willing to shine a little bit of light into someone else's life whenever possible. I fail at that most days. I fail at all of it. But this season, as complicated as it can be at times, is all about light. And love. And hope. And in that shared message -- in that shared story -- we can all find belonging.
Sometimes all you need is the slightest glimmer
The tiniest sliver
Of hope amongst the shadows.
I need more.
More mountains where my soul soars.
More sunsets where my heart burns.
More rivers where my fears cease.
More wilderness where my spirit knows nothing but freedom.
More adventures –
Those random, I don’t know what I’ve gotten myself into
But I’m here and I’m going for it kind of adventures.
More laughs –
Those belly-aching, gut-wrenching
I know all of your quirks and weirdness
And still find you hilarious laughs.
More cries –
Those let me be brutally honest with you,
Real with you,
Know that you understand my darkness and are with me
And for me in spite of anything kind of cries.
More love –
Those unashamed, wave a banner in the air,
You make me crazy and giddy and soft
Moments where I can’t help but love you
In the biggest way kind of love.
This – this is the simplest but truest kind of living.
And I want nothing more
Than to live.