the key to living

There's something about riding in the back of my uncle's pick up truck as the sun goes down, deep blue melting into pinks and golds. Letting the wind blow curls across my face and my shoulder blades jar against the side as tires spit up dust.

It's good to be quiet and look out over fields rolling away from me, permission to breathe and be content. There's a pride in knowing the generations before me worked every day with dirt beneath their nails, knew the value of hard work, gave their lives to a job that few can appreciate or understand.

My uncle let me ride the palomino - climbed the fence and threw a leg over, a few moments of naked knees against a smooth coat, fingers twisted tightly in her mane. Out of my element, but thankful for people who live their lives differently than mine.

It's good to see there are many ways to live a life well. If you love what you do, and you do it whole heartedly. That, I think is the key.

Brothers from another Mother

I come "home" late, dragging in dirty feet and crazy hair. You welcome me with hugs and sandwich making.

I step into the circle of the kitchen, while we hum songs, pass the turkey, make fun of bad music. I like that it's natural for me to be here.

A few hours later, after talking, movie watching, story telling, I realize {again} you are the kind of men I want to be around - encouraging, confident, hardworking and kind.

I like who I am when I'm with you. I like how life looks. A little bit better.

You don't know this, but you help center me.

Life is a Prayer

I pray forward on my way to work, the advice of my father - "Prepare yourself to serve before you even get there."
Bless the kids at work. Help them to enjoy their time with us. Keep them safe. Let me make their day a better day. 
When I realize every person I work with, I consider a friend
Thank you for these people in my life. Thank you for the encouragement you give me through them. 
Remembering the little things
I love these days without humidity  <3 thank you
As I'm rubbing on sunscreen for the third time in a day
Give me energy. 
and the kids still aren't listening
Help me remember to say please & thank you. Help my words to always be kind. 
When they ask to play with me or reach for my hand
I love these kids, Lord 
As I prepare for bed and the next day
Please shape my heart to reflect you. 

Travels

In the past month I've graduated college 

Traveled to Alexandria to watch friends get married, 

went out with my brother and his friends,

Taken a bus to Chicago,

explored and enjoyed the city,

Ridden a train to Michigan City,

to be part of an awesome wedding,

and brought my car into the shop. Four times. 

Oh, and tomorrow I'm in another friend's wedding =) 

It's been busy, a little bit stressful, and a whole lot of wonderful