"I'LL BE LIVING MORE LOVE
THAN YESTERDAY
AND MORE THAN THE DAY BEFORE
GETTING MORE DONE
THAN I'D DREAMED OF
AND FINDING NEW WAYS TO EXPLORE
I'LL BE SPREADING THE LIGHT
FROM THE HILLTOPS
I'LL RUN LIKE A FOOL
THROUGH THE WOODS
I'LL BE DREAMING A WORLD
BEYOND REASON
AS WE CELEBRATE ALL THAT IS GOOD
AND THOUGH I MAY
FALL AND UNRAVEL
AND CRY LIKE A CHILD LEFT ALONE
WE'LL BE LIFTING MORE
HEARTS UP TOGETHER
THAN WE EVER COULD
LIFT ON OUR OWN."
If you have not read Dallas Clayton run! and get lost reading.
I don't talk much about my subdued - and probably insignificant - thoughts or feelings on the wide open web, but I had an experience that changed me during a conversation with Meadow and Jenn, and I came home feeling emotional, open, aware, moved, stronger, and more resolute. The next few paragraphs are a step towards vulnerability as I share these images coupled with pieces of what I learned about myself.
This is Meadow and Jenn and their twin babes! This day, light, and moment was nothing short of perfection. The best part of taking people's pictures is that they become my newest best friend. When Meadow and I exchanged emails her sense of humor immediately reminded me of that. I also caught another glimpse of who she is when I realized that the family picture she attached was not focused on her - the focus was on her beautiful wife, Jenn.
There was a moment after one of our conversations that I realized two things: I have never had to fight for anything, or anyone, as much as some around me have and, there are people who have been given a gift of looking past any details that would seem to divide us, who are able to celebrate our differences, and who, without reservation, see all of us for who we are, brothers and sisters, children of a divine creator.
Meadow so naturally, so easily, pours love and light and happiness into you when you meet her. I don't know if I have ever met someone (except my mom) who can connect and laugh over all the happy things as she can. It was a blessing for me to have spent time with her incredible family.
As I sit in shock and disbelief and tears while watching Hacksaw Ridge, I once again am reminded that all of our freedoms are never free and what I attain to is not who I am - and especially not the most important thing I do. Desmond Doss' story is a miracle. My values, who I focus on, who I stand by, who I stand with, make the measure of my life.
I'm doing my best, imperfectly, to act more faithfully on these impressions, and most importantly, to teach my family the same. I'm thankful for friends and family who are forgiving of my process in learning such precious lessons.
My ease of life may be my toughest reality, but I am (slowly) learning that what we live together we can unify over. Whose burden can I help lighten, today? Or, as Desmond Doss prayed more than 70 times, "Help me help one more."
I wish everyone a happy 4th, happy weekend, and happy freedom celebrations.
"THE LOUDEST CLOUD
HAD THE SOFTEST SCREAM
WHICH FELL WITH A RAINSTORM
THAT FELT LIKE A
DREAM."
Dallas Clayton
xoxo,
Christina
