Beautiful memories

All of us experience pain, physical and emotional. Our stories are different. Our responses vary. Sometimes, if there are too many painful memories, those can block out the beauty that is or has been. I have my fair share of painful memories. I've struggled living in them far too often. Back in June, sitting on the beach for a week alone, I decided to dig up some of the beautiful memories and put them at the forefront of my mind. "Where are my beautiful memories? I know they're in there somewhere."

Since June, I've had an increased mindfulness of things that resurrect my beautiful memories. My kids, obviously, are helping in this process as they passionately pursue what they love. Today was another beautiful moment of memory resurrection.

Asher and Ella and I had a sleepover with some of our dearest friends. This morning, I was watching my friend make breakfast and her father in law came riding up on a horse. We went out to chat with him about a morning ride. As he rode away, you can guess what happened. :) Everyone went back inside and I stood, heart wide open, tears falling with the beautiful memory of watching my dad ride horse. For many years of my childhood, we would go to my grandparents' farm every Sunday after church. Many of those Sundays, my dad would take me riding. I loved it with every fiber of my being. I felt alive on that horse. . . every time. I still do.

Today, I want to say thank you to my parents for the beautiful memories they helped create for me. Horses, hiking, camping, music lessons, trumpet, reading to me, singing me to sleep. These were beautiful moments in the formation of my person. I am so grateful. Thank you for exposing me to these life giving things that continue to inspire vibrant living in me today.