Hike It Out

     Over the past year, I've been unpacking the wonderful gift it is to be out in nature. I guess this isn't really a novel or unique idea, lots and lot of people enjoy hiking, but the experiences I have are becoming a unique part of my being and I'm so thankful to be realizing the awesome opportunities to sneak away from the noise of life and connect more with the wonders of the planet as I pursue a renewal of perspective on how I should be living my life. I also cannot recommend a better way to reconnect with what's actually important than to take a child along, in this case my niece, and watch and listen to the heart of excitement and inspiration as exploration and discovery are happening without limits. More human connection, more trees, more life.

Hello There!

     It's like a brand new page in the book of my life is slowly unwrapping itself and it's turning out to be a pretty neat gift so far. One year back in the States and what is life looking like? A lot of change, changing, so much change. Less rush, more rhythm. Less clutter, more freedom. Less screens, more trees. Less criticizing, more connecting. Less worry, more anticipation. Less stress....uhhh...well, I'm working on it!
   
     Where did it all begin though? Without going back too far, in some ways, it began with that friend who when I asked for a drink of water at his flat, replied "Of course! Let me wash the cup for you." The cup...one. Wow. What a concept. How much do we really need when there's a whole grand, beautiful, messy life to be lived?
     It also started when droves of battered, bruised and dying citizens of earth began risking their and their families' lives in desperate measures to reach free lands while many of those long-residing in freedom shouted hatred and rejection and my stomach turned and my heart ached in good guilt and passionate longing to welcome those on the outside with open arms.
     It also started with discovering that blog called Becoming Minimalist and feeling a calling to examine and realign my priorities with who I am called to be.  
     And most of all, it started with a fresh, deepening, ever growing understanding of the very cost my Savior paid with His blood to rescue this Spiritually war-wearied wretch and what the weight of that eternal grace now demands of my one earthly life, my one accountable, measurable earthly life which must, must increasingly be focused on growing the eternal Kingdom of the Lamb, that Passover Lamb who created all beings and beckons us to draw near under His safe and loving wings.
     What will tomorrow look like? Only the Lord knows, but I am so excited to be a part of this adventure.