I am a moment kinda girl. I tend to take notice when there’s Beauty. I’m okay with tears and deep sadness. I’m also okay with full on ecstasy. Not the kind in a pill, but the kind that reminds you that you’re fully alive. The stretch-out-your-arms-around-the-world-moments. The mystical God stuff. And the very real skin-on-skin people moments.
No coincidence then when I read these as my final night-night words last night, courtesy of Kahlil Gibran in The Prophet:
All these things you have said of beauty,
Yet in truth you spoke not of her but of needs unsatisfied,
And beauty is not a need but an ecstasy.
It is not a mouth thirsting nor an empty hand stretched forth,
But rather a heart enflamed and a soul enchanted.
Ahhh.
So, as promised, I started this list yesterday, thinking through the little moments that really were Big in 2010, because even after a year they still linger in my soul. There really are many more, but in an attempt to not go on into 2012, here goes:
Sitting on a couch in a hotel room in Mexico with my computer on my lap, following the devastation in Haiti, not wanting to move. Feeling the earth-shattering deep sadness within me. And not running away from it.
Talking into the night with Jodi and Jenna, squished into our airplane seats, on our way to Colour Conference in Sydney, Australia.
My first visit to this other southern continent. I love firsts.
Singing “Awakening,” by Chris Tomlin with 5,000 women from many parts of the world.
Dancing my African worship to Creator God at Amahoro Africa in May.
Then, getting home, slipping on a pair of gold shoes and sharing the birth of SheLoves magazine at LifeWomen conference.
Spending a day in silence at a spa in Whistler with Jeanmari, my South African sis-in-law, restoring a mommy-weary soul.
A Three Cups of Tea date with my niece, Sarah and my six-year-old.
Malalai Joya in Vancouver
Letters from Emma for everyone of us when she moved out.
A weekend in the Downtown Eastside. Making new friends who are growing closer and closer to my heart with every encounter.
Vietnamese coffee with Trisha & Elizabeth, hanging in the Great Room, breakfast with Jacynta & Elizabeth in an East Hastings dive. Complete deliciousness.
A Skype call deep in the night with Reggie and Benita Nel in South Africa, talking about Discovering God’s Heart for Suffering Women after their church had prayed through the 40-day prayer journal in preparation for the World Cup. A moment of deep restoration of my story.
Moments with the children. A song for a prayer at dinner time. Dancing on the grass by the campfire in Point Roberts. Watching them rip around on the Barbie car. Girls sitting at their art table. A note for Mommy. The little little moments that help me keep breathing through the flurry.
Early morning visits in my mom-in-law’s room at Linwood House & a Ronnie hug.
Words words words–emails, fb messages, tweets, DMs, status updates, comments, words on walls, words online, words in books, birthday words, pillow words, words over tea and coffee … words that connected and soothed, words that encouraged and pushed me to the edge of my understanding. Spirit words. Holy words. Words that clothed me this year. I remember the words.
QUESTION: What were the moments for you this past year? Which ones linger in your soul?
Here’s to being present to many Big Little Moments in 2011 …
And here’s Eddy, just because I love this song and it brings back so many memories:
what I love about you : ……is this (seemingly), quiet and constant passion that is naturally you. But your written thoughts , well – much louder and expressive , and so inspiring to read, Idelette !
With Admiration,
I am a moment kinda girl. I tend to take notice when there’s Beauty. I’m okay with tears and deep sadness. I’m also okay with full on ecstasy. Not the kind in a pill, but the kind that reminds you that you’re fully alive. The stretch-out-your-arms-around-the-world-moments. The mystical God stuff. And the very real skin-on-skin people moments.
Talking into the night with Jodi and Jenna, squished into our airplane seats, on our way to Colour Conference in Sydney, Australia.
Spending the day with the girls at the City Harvest School of Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy: one of the top five days of my life. Ever.
A weekend in the Downtown Eastside. Making new friends who are growing closer and closer to my heart with every encounter.
Moments with the children. A song for a prayer at dinner time. Dancing on the grass by the campfire in Point Roberts. Watching them rip around on the Barbie car. Girls sitting at their art table. A note for Mommy. The little little moments that help me keep breathing through the flurry.
Watching my dad play and be with our kids. It’s redeeming so much.
Meeting you in person was definitely one of mine! You continue to inspire me, the miles between meaningless.
So looking forward to watch you continue to step into Love.
Peace
what I love about you : ……is this (seemingly), quiet and constant passion that is naturally you. But your written thoughts , well – much louder and expressive , and so inspiring to read, Idelette !
With Admiration,
A xo
The miles ARE meaningless, Erin. So true.
And Alie, your words really stirred something in me. Thank you.
What a privilege to share this journey with women like you. #blessed