Hello summer! Where did spring go? Feels like life just keeps going faster and faster. I’ve had fun lately capturing some of the photos I’ve taken while hiking.
Based on my last blog post, I named this first one Step by Step.
It can be so daunting to look at the road ahead. It can also be tempting to wish for someone else’s path, but we can’t really see the hills and valleys they will traverse. We can’t even see our own. When we get there, there may be unexpected surprises like wildflowers along the path, or unwished for obstacles like tree roots or rocks. Worrying about what’s ahead takes away precious energy from today. All we really can do is take our journey step by step.
On our path, we’ll encounter others. Some of them will have gifts we need to keep going (like the wildflowers). I’ve met so many wonderful people as I’ve opened up about my cancer journey. One this week was from Craigslist. My husband stopped by her home to look at something to purchase, and from a comment he made about slowing down came a conversation. It was amazing how similar our journey has been to hers.
A couple of days later, I got to meet her too. Our meeting turned into a two hour conversation 😆 that was such a blessing. I’m so grateful she chose to ask questions and then share her own path through illness and grief, to resiliency and renewal.
Yesterday, we enjoyed going about to Art at the Source studios (its next weekend too 6/14-15). Inevitably when I chat with folks about how I came to be painting so much, cancer comes up. This led to several sweet connections with other survivors and hugs of celebration in being cancer free. Being vulnerable by sharing my story brings these rewards.
Community is built when we trust others enough to open up our hearts and stories to them. They then get a glimpse of the parts of our path not readily visible, and hopefully feel safe enough to share their journey in return. Listening and holding carefully their struggles are a privilege. Deepening relationship happens when each person continues to share, but it’s a risky business.
Sometimes we share with someone who says something stupid, or downright hurtful. Unfortunately, at times we’re that someone 😔Often, words are spoken out of our fear. Many responses are really about the person speaking- their fears, their hurts that turn into harmful words or the lack of any words.
Being hurt can make us pause and step back. Maybe we should with some people who have shown they aren’t worthy of the risk of our vulnerability. Don’t give up though, others are, and we’re stronger in community. Burdens shared are made lighter and shared grief lightens the dark.
June 10th marks a year since we lost Brent’s little sister, Marissa. I was so proud of how she didn’t let cancer stop her. She knew it could come back but she took a job that let her make a difference, got married, and became a mother. She got 16 years of remission and she spent it well.
Life is a risky business. Let’s not let fear win, but engage in the vulnerability of being real. Today is a precious currency, how shall we spend it?