Day 3,009

Growth:

When in doubt, get outside and be active. My hike this afternoon was exactly what I needed in a few different ways.

I got time outside in nature, time to soak up the outdoors and take in all the magic it provides.

I got exercise, an opportunity to get the blood flowing – especially with my forty pound pack on.

I got time with a small group as opposed to the larger group of family. The smaller group led to a different dynamic that I needed more than I realized.

All this for choosing to get outside and be active rather than sitting in front of a screen watching a game.

Appreciation:

While growing up my cousins and I used to have such a great time together for the holidays! The laughter, the playing, and the joking were so awesome? And due to the limited times we saw each other each year we did our best to maximize that time together.

Watching the boys with their cousins this weekend has brought back so many memories and has me so thankful for the experiences they get to share together. There’s a magic to spending time with family like this, so grateful they get to experience it AND rekindle so many memories for me!

Presence:

Today there were two moments that were so perfect in their extreme differences.

The first was a quiet moment outside while hiking along the river banks. The four of us were all spread out a bit and were all silent as we walked and took in our surroundings. It felt as if we were in the church of nature, all in quiet reflection.

The second was in the middle of our Christmas celebration, twenty three of us all in one large room with another four joining via FaceTime. It was loud, boisterous, chaotic, and magical all at the same time. So many family members all together celebrating Christmas together, laughing, joking, and enjoying each other’s company at a very loud volume.

Two moments of extremes, two moments of presence, two moments of joy.

Thanks!!!