Stairs

During the weekend I went to a three day conference. It was a great experience and I left with my head swimming every night. A few of my classes were on the third floor. The steps were quite impressive and I decided that even a picture does them little, if any, justice. However, I'll include it anyway. 

Those stairs have a small landing in between to ease your heaving lungs. Imagine walking up two sets of these stairs. Yes, I did that. I could always tell you had taken the stairs because they came into the room heaving, as did I, and furiously trying to slow their breath.
You might wonder if there was an elevator, and if there was why didn't people take it? There was. But in most cases walking up the stairs ended up being quicker, and the elevator left people with a queer feeling because of the way it lurched. Not mentioning the annoying buzz it made while the doors closed because so many people were crammed inside it. Often it was filled with waiters with carts. Though were they were going I didn't really figure out.
Anyhow, I am sure that I could compare this to something profound, like the incredible knowledge I learned that left me heaving at the end of each day, or the amount of chips and snacks I ate. But I think they speak for themselves the best.

Sunrise

Watching the sun rise is an amazing experience. It rises slowly, peeking over a mountain, plain, or sea. Its light begins to erase the darkness.
I still remember last summer when I decided I wanted to watch a sunrise. I looked up the time it would rise, set my alarm carefully, and woke up the next morning full of excitement as I stole out of the house. I climbed the roof of our barn and watched the light emerge. I was awed at how stealthily he climbed upwards. In just a few minutes the sun's shaggy main was over the mountain smiling brightly at all who were awake to see him. Fascinated I managed to pull out my iPod and snap a few pictures, though the lens couldn't capture the glory of it all. The brisk morning air, anticipation, and awe was left with the morning, memories and a few photos are all I've retained. Till another day I watch the sunrise...

Autumn Tree

I know that it is spring now, but the glory of autumn seems to be appropriate to share year round.
I absolutely love the way the sun is shining through this tree. It defines the branches, making them look solid and firm. The leaves glow with the light of the sun, sharing their fiery colors with all who stop and look. I feel like it could be used for so many comparisons, but I'll let you make you're own since that will mean much more for you personally.
If anyone would like to share their thoughts please feel free to. I monitor the comments so they will all be safe to read. :)

Quiet Happiness

This past week I have been learning the sensation of quiet happiness.
It is a feeling that has become dear to my heart. Even now, as I try to find words adequate to describe it, tears brim in my eyes. These are tears of joy and of sorrow; Sorrow because I was missing out on so much for so long, and Joy because I have finally found it.
People often talk of how some of their most touching moments weren't the "Wow!" moments, but the moments that came in increments, slowly piercing their soul and healing their hearts. I thought I knew what they were talking about, maybe at one point I did but I lost it, I now know once again.
Explaining sacred things like this are difficult to do. It really is something that needs to be experienced, and no matter how many articles you read about how people have felt it, the only way you'll know it is when you feel it yourself. When you do, you will know.
I am at a loss for words now, unable to describe the way I have felt this new blessing in my life. It wasn't in one moment, but I didn't have to wait eons for it to come either, I just started looking for it, and it slipped into a comfortable place in my soul, a feeling I don't want to lose.
I see things from a different perspective. I see things people do that are hurtful, and I sigh knowing someday I will do those things. So I make a mental note of the experience, hoping it will resurface when I face it in my life.
There is not much more I can say. Commands from my fingers will not transfer this feeling to the people reading this, but I do hope that it may inspire a desire, and that is all I wish to do.
This article feels so imperfect, but it is here, maybe someday I will find the perfect words to give you just a taste of quiet happiness.

When it hurts

It is a hurtful thing when your little sister swears at you, yet your heart cries out for her because you don't know how to help her. When your older sister is too busy telling Mom that she doesn't want to give little brother a sincere apology, over something she says was accidental. And when little brother ignores you completely looking at his arm and continuing to ask a question, as you stand there with your smile stretched as wide as your open arms waiting to engulf him in a hug.
Sometimes, when those things hurt us, we just need to swallow the tears brimming in our eyes and turn around after Mom sorts things out and offer another hug and smile to little brother, acting like everything is okay. Even when it hurts.
And when you go to your room, gently close the door, get out your journal and a pen, sit down and say it hurts, that's okay too. With no one to talk to you need to stitch yourself up sometimes.
God is always there, but sometimes we need to do more. We need to do something we can see and touch, that way our mind won't wander as easily. Otherwise we get stuck in the hurt and it comes out in bitter drops that sting the wound.
But this way, I can breath again. And when big sister comes in to say good night, a smile crawls on as I explain some silly thought process about whether she should say "Good night." again or "Good morning." to wake me up tomorrow.
Then I smile and breath again, till tomorrow becomes today.