Oh, to breathe.

Yesterday I listened to a sermon at church called "serenity in a drive through world." And I may have heard and read and been talked to about this matter of the over-busyness and over-stimulation of our culture, but never have I felt it more applicable to my life than right now. Kevin asked the congregation: do you ever feel exhausted before you even get out of bed? Being tired. Busy. On-the-go, constantly thinking about your next move, or your next 27 moves... that seems to be not only my life right now, but most of the people around me. I've read friends' blogs lamenting the same things, seen it in action, asked people how they are doing and heard the responses "tired," or "busy" far more times than I'd like to.

Why?! I literally woke up this morning and began going through a list of everything I needed to to today, and even tomorrow. I feel like I've run a marathon before I've even done anything.

Oh, but then I am reminded in some small way that life is not about pressing the fast-forward button. As is my habit, I grabbed a cup of coffee and signed onto my email and facebook to check on any updates. My roommate Jen was leaving the house, and as she was leaving, I promised her I would check out her photo blog.

Whew. There's the breath I'd had yet to take today. Her blog, which is a class assignment, is comprised of a picture each day of something that matters to her, or something that inspires her. Almost every one of her pictures was of someone important in her life, and her having a wonderful time with them. To me, it was a reminder that life is not about getting as much done as I can in a span of 24 hours minus 6-8 for sleeping... but it's the people and relationships in your life that matter. What does it mean if I get everything done but do not even hug my roommates, or tell my boyfriend that I love him, or even smile at a random passerby on the street? Bah. Breathing, breathing.

Thank you, pastor Kevin, for delivering the message that I needed to hear. Thank you Jen, for being you and reminding me to breathe and laugh. Oh, and I teared up a little at your pictures this morning, ask Tali. ;)

To my random blog-readers: do yourself a favor and walk a few laps of that marathon you're probably running in your head. And maybe stop for tea with a friend along the way. You might not come in first, but at least you'll come in smiling.

Love!


Oh, to be here again... (i did... not take this. haha)