the limitiations of living

...one day at a time. i read a short devotion on 'a time for everything, and everything in its time' this morning. i heard someone say "amputation is a form of healing." i am thinking about the clutter of a life lived without simplicity. i know the past 2 years were spent filling up the empty space, but now i think some of the good things need to go, to make room for the better things i've found.

i went on a massive cleaning tirade on friday. i was able to get rid of a mountain of clothing. i dug up boxes from the basement, and was horrified to uncover old Hot Topic paraphernalia and 90s AE tank tops that gave up somewhere around my belly button. i brought a small collection of the less embarrassing, more trendy/treasured pieces to girls group on Sunday, and was surprised by the results. it was a good feeling - all these women playing dress-up in my living room, debating what looks best on who, my old shirts and skirts flung every which way. everyone went home with something. and i felt like we'd done a little piece of church right.

david and i have been toying with the possibility of teaching overseas - of going on a grand adventure, just the two of us, to a new city, a new culture, and a new way of life. we'd be able to save money, travel, and escape the trappings of the sedentary american dream. we'd serve together, problem-solve together, and be nomadic fools for as long as our spirits would allow. this is a long-shot, and a long ways out, but as i looked around at the girls at my house on sunday night, i realized it will break my heart to leave this sincere community we've found.

but i will take it one day at a time. sweet summer is right around the corner. the garden is about to be tilled, the markets are about to open up, the sun is about to linger endlessly in the sky. and all i can do is give des moines (translate: these friendships) everything i've got while i'm lucky enough to be here. can anyone really look back and say "i never took a day for granted"? maybe not. but i will be the first to try.