Leaping Fearlessly

It's the morning of our departure.  I awoke to a sweet text from our twelve-year-old.  I awoke to cool breeze finally flying through the hall way.  I stood on the lanai and looked out into the darkness with waves crashing loudly against the shore.  The sound of the wind almost howling as it rattled palm trees.  We have not felt breeze in the whole week we've been on the island.  It has been humid and breeze-less, so what a fitting exit this is.  It's as if the skies are saying their good-byes with a little taste of how good it can be here when it's not a stormy season.

I watched the sun rise again.  Ernie joined me,coffee cups in hand, out on the lanai.  We watched glorious colors pour from behind pure white cloud puffs as the sun rose.  I do not think I would ever tire of this majestic sight.  I seem to miss this at home regardless of my early arising.  It just doesn't look the same. But I am realizing, it really isn't the same.  This being away has showed me that.  There are two different worlds I am living in. There is no real work for me to do here.  No housekeeping. No raising of littles.  All that is here is beauty and fun and us.  And what a fabulously rich trip it has been!This morning looking through pictures of our adventures while here,  God planted the song, "These are Days" by 10,000 Maniacs. I played it for E and we reflected on moments during our trip and I laughed until I cried.  Or maybe I cried and then laughed. I can't recall which came first because both were from such a joyous place!

But life beckons and we must return to our eager littles. And I'm ready and not ready in the same breath. The peace that is in this place is very different than the peace I must make in my own home.  I am reminded of the need to create: be it beauty, time, or adventure. . .I must continue to create and carve out pockets of fun and opportunities for me to keep practicing to live a fearless life. Yesterday on the boat I saw a tatoo on a woman's back. It simply said, "Leap Fearlessly."  And I couldn't help but focus on it.  While I stepped out of my comfort zone this trip...and a chronicle of our adventures, will definitely follow. . .I was reminded to LEAP.

Maui will be the vacation I remember for the leaping.  Saying yes to this adventure before I had worked out the details was definitely a leap.  I want to continue leaping, and being fearless, goes without question. I've dedicated a whole year to that word--and probably need a lifetime of practice!  When I think of the word, fearless, I also hear my father whisper, "Fear not, for I am with you."  So, this afternoon I take that comfort and get back on an airplane, back to the life I love completely refreshed and renewed.
Aloha!