Thursday, March 20, 2014

Throwback Thursday: Being Present

{Throwback Thursday post from the Archives: originally posted on Mar 19, 2009 - LVCG}

I'm in the middle of trying to plan a little family vacation, so i am going to use today's computer time for that. But I wanted to share one of my favorite pictures. This was before we had a digital camera so this picture looks fake ...but oh! this day was very real.



This was taken outside of Estes Park, Colorado on a trail that I think was called The Devils Backbone. It was the summer of 2003. 

This picture means so much to me because I was finally coming out of struggle in my life. 

I had had a long battle with myself; I was finally feeling free. I was in the early stages of being healthy--body, mind, and spirit. 

I was really living

The air was cool. A monsoon storm was threatening to roll over the valley that quietly sat beneath the opposite side of the ridge. 

I can still smell the rain on the wind, feel the dirt on my hands. I can see different shades of green foliage, blue sky, and red earth; with the dark clouds of black and grey, that couldn't have have darkened my spirit, even if it poured out heavy drops of rain. I looked into the deep brown eyes of my children; felt the dry, strong, hand of The Misters in mine.

I was alive. 

In that moment, I felt blessedly content.

The voice of a hawk called from the craggy crevices behind us. Daring us to walk closer, yet we stayed on the trail. We hiked to a bench that sat between the path overlooking the valley, we sat and watched bolts of bluish lightening make its presence known. 

It is something I will never forget...that time when I realized how amazing life can be when we choose to be present. 

Storms may be on the horizon. 

The trail maybe steep. 

But there is rest for the soul in the midst. Where we resist the call to leave the road marked before us, and stand in awe of all that is good. 

...where we can breathe deeply, and smile.

Jeremiah 6:16,
(MSG)

God's Message yet again:

   "Go stand at the crossroads and look around. 
   Ask for directions to the old road,
The tried-and-true road. Then take it. 
   Discover the right route for your souls."
    

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

Beautiful post!

Aren't you glad you have a picture that can take you back to a time that was so special to you?

Megan O. said...

This was so beautifully written--I love how you described the day. I felt like I totally understood what you were saying.

Tiffani said...

Oh Kellie...
I can feel what you are feeling by your description...and even though the specifics of your journey weren't mentioned, I think we've all been in a place like that over something in our lives...and some of us may still be working to feel that way..free..because sadly so many of us are in bondage of so many things..a thought process, a heartache, the past, the present...

I pray that the days ahead for you will always and continually be free...

"oh for a thousand tongues to sing: Blessed Be the Name of the Lord!"

Deidre said...

"....how amazing life can be when we choose to be present" ... LOVE that!

Are there any of us women who haven't experienced a time in our lives when we had to 'choose' to come out of a pit and be present? I love what you wrote and how you describe your day in detail. And, I love that you have a picture to remind you.

Carpool Queen said...

I can just breathe in the freshness while you were describing it. I think sometimes we struggle when we leave the path, and sometimes we struggle to accept the path. And when we see the path as beautful and necessary, then it's truly life in abundance.

Gretchen said...

Mercy, I liked this! So much! I remember Devil's Back Bone and so many other CO places of my youth. EP was one of my all time faves, both for touristy shopping and for the YMCA of the Rockies. Lurve that place!

Great reminder for me today, as I've been feeling a bit low. Be present. Exactly.

Jewel said...

Beautiful descriptions. Yes, that's what I need to hear today. What a great reminder to be present in our lives. Tough though.

mer@lifeat7000feet said...

Beautiful, Kellie! I love the picture, but I love your words and the knowing way you described being present. LOVE it.

And Estes Park...you KNOW that is my favorite place on earth, don't you?

Lori said...

Beautifully put! I need more reminders to be truly present since I so often get wrapped up in silly things. Hope you find as much peace on your next trip!

Shelley @ My Treasure Hunt said...

That is awesome! Thanks for sharing!

Charity said...

Love the picture.. and you are such an amazing writer. Wow.

Blue Skies said...

Beautiful Kellie. I love what you wrote and can hear your voice as you are writing. But..... I can't stop laughing at The Boy for his goofy eyes! thanks for the smile and the unintended reminder of how sweet and precious your kids are. Miss you today, friend.

Michele said...

Oh Kellie! Wow! What a great picture you have painted with your words. You put a huge smile on my face. . . . we have to purpose to be present, don't we? Freedom . . . oh such sweet, sweet freedom. No one really knows how sweet she is, until they feel her for themselves. Thanks for sharing. I loved this post!!

Jackie said...

You and your kids are just beautiful, Kellie. And what a great thing to remember - that feeling of freedom, body and soul. Life truly is amazing.

TJ Wilson said...

um, kellie - where on earth did you copy that and then paste it into your blog? wowzers. great writing. love the picture and even more your thoughts. God's eye has been heavy on you, not letting go even a bit. you encourage me and many.

Mary said...

Oh how I long to feel alive like that instead of moving through life in a fog full of to do lists and regrets.

Stephanie said...

That's a great photo. And - you're right - the background does look fake because it's just so beautiful and calm.