THOSE DESERTSCAPE CRACKS

I've been trained to see the details.

And one of my favorite places to stop and notice details is in nature. The evening we took a stroll through the cracked desert was so fascinating to me. It was one of the first times exploring the new ground. The beauty in the sea of lines made me stop and see a new perspective. Something had to create these cracks and each crack is connected to another, not one is by itself.

It's the ripple effect in a different type of surface.

I've thought about it quite a bit in conjunction with the last decade or so of my life. So many wonderful things came about from meeting and falling in love with my best friend. I've been very lucky and blessed to have him in my life. Together we've experienced the greatest joys but also some deep sorrows, disappointments, and pain. 

But, it's all of those moments, emotions, and lessons that have made me who I am today. It's all the wonderful family members and friends that have touched me and blessed me in many ways I cannot begin to express. 

I am not perfect, not at all. Some days I feel like that broken ground that is still shifting and wandering about. But I also feel very fortunate to be surrounded with people who lift and encourage me...people who want me to succeed and people who pray for me and serve me. So thank you to all of you who have helped me along my way. Your loving words and actions have not gone unnoticed. It's comforting to know that even though I'm living further than I ever have from family, they are still my greatest fans. 

Speaking of that, living far away is hard! I was naive in thinking this move would be all be a fun, new adventure. And it is, but knowing that I am missing out on so many things and cannot just jump in the car and drive home for the weekend is really difficult sometimes. 

Last night, actually when I was feeling a little low, Emily and I were talking about how important it is to "live where you are". It was exactly what I needed to hear. Usually I think of the phrase "this too shall pass" in a way to get me through a struggle, but it rings true for the good things too. I've been encouraged to take more time to "live", not to just "get through" the day or the week. 

Every day is a blessing and every day our actions, attitudes, and words have a profound affect on not only those around us, but also on ourselves. If we find ourselves getting stuck in a pity-party cycle (or a homesick cycle), try a little harder to be more positive and have hope, do things that bring happiness - not just in the moment, but lasting happiness. Live every day to the fullest and make the little, routine moments more meaningful. 

A quote by Henry Ford that I've come to love (because I'm famous for this): 

"You may think the grass is greener on the other side. But if you take time to water your own grass, it would be just as green."