Living.

I’m reading Velvet Elvis. The author talks about the concept of God in everything. I like the idea that the moments when I feel most alive are sacred. Despite the crazy stuff, I’ve had many of those moments lately.

The moments that stand out:

When I was rocking Chandler to sleep he looked up at me and smiled his we-should-play-instead-of-sleep-smile. I actually giggled. It took me a while to convince him to sleep after my giggle attack. Breanna spied on us and declared, “You smiled at him! I caught you!” Don’t tell Breanna that, before she walked in, I was actually laughing, not smiling!

I took my nephews for a “hike” at Sycamore Grove. Nature through a child’s eyes is remarkable. Cameron carefully chose the “perfect” stone for tossing off the bridge while Roman declared that the pond water was “icky!” I chastised myself for not grabbing the baby’s stroller (while I was at my sister’s), but it ended up being a blessing. As we began our walk, Roman started running and laughing. He would linger behind, then smile his huge grin and declare “Wait A Me!!”

I went to dinner with some work friends in the city last week. As we traveled home on BART, we smiled sleepy smiles at each other and declared that we were glad that we got together. We had full stomachs and contented hearts.

I got to visit my college friend Pieter recently. It’s been way too long since we’ve spent time together. As we drove home, I decided that our visit was “good for my soul.” He’s that kind of a person.

My friends have showed their love in unique, wonderful ways. Meaningful gifts, cards, and E-mails have touched my heart, lately.

Life truly is beautiful.