There are always moments in life where things seem lonely and slow, like you’ve missed something, like you closed your eyes for a second, and you’ve missed your chance.
But I think that notion is quite mistaken. This year has been a journey of rest for me. Getting off the high of go-go-go, travel as much as possible, meet as many people as possible, do as much as possible. Those were moments full of growth and blessing. And I believe they have prepared me for such a time as this.
A time to slow down. A time to invest. In friendship. In conversation. In passion. A time to question. My deepest values. My next action. My next step. A time to stop worrying so much about life’s path, but rather to take care of others where they are at. To be a heart of support, and genuine love. And in that process, to let them soften my heart at the very core. To let others take care of me.
While it’s true that it takes time to develop deeply invested relationships, whether within the family, in friendships, in dating, or in marriage, with people that surround your week, your day, your hour, even one small moment or action of kindness can be life changing.
These are the people you do life with, after all.
The extremely-early-morning coffee date, the muddier-than-expected trail run, missing out on a few hours of sleep. These become marvelous adventures that develop trust. Trust is a foundation for connection, for being in touch with those that surround our moments, for finding joy.
Even in these dreary Portland days, endless drips landing perfectly in puddles, permeating the seemingly solid surface, we realize that this rain purifies, and prepares for growth. And though painful, growth brings joy.
Investing in people is one of the greatest joys to be found. It means leaving chunks of your heart behind.
But that’s the thing about love: it’s only something if you give it away.
roam&wander 