reflection

In two weeks and three days, I will be 28 years old. I will still be growing my hair out from an impromptu buzzcut just like I was at 18. I will still spend way too much time pondering eternity, life and death like I did at 13. I will still wear the scars on my feet from the surgery I had at 4. 

So much is the same. 

So much more has changed.

Here is a little non-poem about a cardinal:

there is a cardinal

that sings

by my window each

morning.

he flutters so close,

almost close

enough

to touch. 

his song is so simple, 

captivatingly clear. 

he’s alive in this moment. 

he’s breathing; he’s here 

and tomorrow isn’t his 

burden to bear. 

today has enough worries, 

more than enough cares, 

and even when it’s raining 

he has a song to share.

wilderness training

The last 3 weeks have been spent in wilderness training, as my brother calls it. The MTC calls it “Simple Living.” Tan and I spent the majority of that time without cellphones, limited running water, minimal solar electricity, and a litany of classes about teamwork and survival. 

Throughout that time, I kept a journal (like I do) and I wanted to share a few quotes that encouraged me out there on here.

“Yeah, I am a fearful person, but God carried me every step of the way.” -Carol C.

“You can try!” -Ezzy

“Do I treat you like you’re a part of me?” -Kris H., quoting someone else

“Conflict is a classroom.” -Jim T.