holiday

About a month ago, I had the incredible experience of getting to go home for a month. I have not been home for this long in about 5 years. I feel so lucky for this opportunity to connect with family.

On this trip I created a million beautiful little memories and I feel overwhelmed by the thought of them…

I spent some time at my grandparents.

I had a handful of incredible dinners with the family. (Including a thanksgiving dinner!)

I spent some time without electronics.

I spent some time with some of my oldest friends.

I saw snow!

I spent beloved time with my nieces and nephew!

I explored Columbus, OH with a bit more intentionality.

I went to Nashville! (Hear all about that trip here)

Christian came to town!

I failed a time or two.

& I grew in understanding of the beauty of slowing down.

I think that was the big takeaway for me…it is beautiful to slow down and really take the time to enjoy the connections in front of you. It might be slowing down enough to watch the snow fall or maybe it is looking at art in a museum or maybe just some giggles on the couch with your family, but regardless of what it is…there is magic in slowing down.

I am a person that believes if I am not dead, than I can do more. I am constantly doing more things. I always have some sort of task to do: read this book, go to this store, do this assignment, and so much more. I get so caught up in what I could be doing. But, by getting caught up in what would be, I miss the magic of what is.

This trip to Ohio has reminded me to get captured by what is. It isn’t about getting everything done (at least not always). On this trip I wanted to read two different books and finish them before I returned. But, every time I picked one up, something better to do came along. Like, an opportunity to chat with my sister or send time with my momma. And towards the end of the trip I realized what was happening…that I was failing at my to-do list…that I was running out of time. But, I decided I couldn’t give up the simple magic. It was too important.

I guess, I am just saying that maybe our priorities aren’t what they used to be. And to remind you that family is always worth it, that beautiful connection is always worth it.