Fields of Dandelions

It was then that the awkward silence broke into tears.  Falling down, each more quickly than the next.  And we didn’t know what to say. 

It was the kind of crying where the words are sputtered out in that high squeaky voice, coupled with gasps of breath and indistinguishable other sounds.  I think us girls have this in common; this way of crying, that is.  We’re funny like that.  It’s our way.

It is also our way to grow in strength through weakness.  With her tears, came our own.  Hurting together.  And the quiet tears mingled with whispers of pain and praise.  One by one, into rich soil together, holding our hands and bowing our heads.

Somehow, treasure in the transparent.  Vulnerability.  Depth.  Humility to surrender.  Honesty that you’re hurting.  That you have to reach outside of yourself to find hope, wake up in the morning, get through another day. 

These are the fields of dandelions.  Growing together towards the sun.  Scattering beauty and learning to die.  Finding life in the dirt.  Even because of it.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.  Believing this with all that I am.

Much Love,
Kristin

Finding Riches

Guess I’ve been kinda quiet lately.   Thinking of ousting the blog due to time constraints and my horrible ability to multi-task.  (Can’t even cheer against the Yankees and write this!)  Can’t seem to delete just yet. 

Followers or not, I often need this space for me.  Me and God, that is.  And lately, a mug of pumpkin cappuccino.

I can’t promise you’ll find anything here in the near future. Most likely, silence.  Maybe God rambles. Probably nothing practical.  (Am I cut out for marketing?) 

I frequent blogs to get recipes, ideas for the kids, running tips, decorating ideas, and keep current on social justice issues.  And to catch up on my peeps.  This may not look like any of that.

I had wanted a blog to hold all of my loves in one place, but I’m not committed.  Rather, I’m holding on more tightly to other things;  more treasured things.  If this space is functioning, there is a good chance that no one has clean socks in their drawers and the townhouse is an obstacle course.  Likewise, when words lie dormant, a richer life is growing on the other side. 

The falling leaves of autumn have brought so much beauty and exploration into our lives.  We’ve enjoyed: 

*Celebrating Selah’s 5th birthday with Tinkerbelles. 
*Membership at the Y
*Exploring Pittsburgh through free days provided by the city.

*Visiting my beautiful friend Heather (30 years of friendship – oh dear.) 
*Adden’s 1st trip to the ER (not enjoyable, but grateful for health.)
*Traveling to North Carolina to visit our friends Bruce and Becky.
*Conversations, postcards, and coffee.

*Learning through the charter school curriculum. 
*A trip to Lancaster to see Thomas the Train with Paul’s family. 
*Celebrating with friends over new babies, ordinations, and anything good.

The richer life is growing.  Slowly, fumbling towards the sun, reaching up, giving up, getting tangled, finding my breath, and discovering what it means to be alive.   I read this prayer today in a study of Deborah (Judges 4-5) and adored it. 

“May they who love You be like the sun when it rises in its strength.” 

Praying this for you, friend.
With Love,
Kristin