Dear Sam

Dear Sam Gamgee,          

            I’ve always been a fan of little people (I, myself am short). However, you are by far my favorite hobbit.

            Word of your journey reached me through our friend Tolkien and the exciting tale is one I cannot forget. I admire the fact that what you lack in size, you make up for in loyalty and courage. Staying by Frodo’s side when he needed you the most was admirable and I assure you that both he and I are grateful for your friendship.

            I only wish that I could come visit you myself. I would love to hear your side of the unexpected adventure, especially the part about seeing fairies. I always knew your dream would one day come true! However, Bywater is much too far for my feet to take me at this point in time. Thus, the best I can do is write you this letter.

            Give my blessings to Rose and little Elanor, and stay healthy and happy yourself.

From one traveler to another,

-Amy

Ocean Blues

If I could drink the ocean
And paint the whole world blue
Swimming every day away
I'd still miss you

If I could sail the globe
And always feel free
Floating past my worries
I wouldn't be happy

All the water on the planet
Would never be enough
To drown my hope of being
Just the two of us

So if I could drink the ocean
And paint the whole world blue
I would still be nothing
If I didn't have you

Spring Break 2010

Paradise is out there...

"Rejoice that your names are written in heaven." - Luke 10:20

Materialism

In Zambia,
I looked
And saw
Bloated bellies,
Nakedness,
Empty eyes,
And hollowed hearts
-A lack of
Something.

In America,
I looked
And saw
Broadened bellies,
Promiscuity,
Envious eyes,
And heavy hearts
-Too much of
That same Something.

Dear Change

Dear Change,

I know that I haven't always been very nice to you. There are days when you annoy me more than anything else -days when I don't want you in my life and can't even stand the thought of you. But that's selfish of me and I realize that. I'm sorry.

Looking back on things, I see that even when I have refused to be a good friend, you've been faithful. The truth is, you have been a loyal companion throughout my life, offering me adventure and fun when I gave you nothing. You've also given me plenty of opportunities to grow and learn. Because of you, I am more open to new things, more flexible and humble, and more aware of different perspectives. Overall, I appreciate you more than you could know.

I am confident that you are going to play a vital role in my future. Just as you have been in the past, you will be by my side after graduation. And you will continue to lead me down roads I've yet to travel. Roads I can't wait to travel! I'm excited and thankful that you're a part of my life. So, bring on the next great adventure!

Your friend,
Amy

I Am Fully Convinced...

I am fully convinced that life is all about relationships. Life is making a stranger’s day by simply offering a smile. It is sitting beside a mother and her crying baby on an airplane and helping an old lady with her grocery bag on the way home from school. It’s waving to neighbors, talking to someone new at work, and watching two kids play in the park.

Life is all about relationships and what you choose to do with them. It’s lying on a bed beside your best friend, chatting until you lose track of time and not caring about sleep. It is swinging next to someone, feeling the air beneath your feet as you both float through the days. It is the people you laugh the hardest with and the ones you allow to see your deepest pain.

Life is all about relationships, what you choose to do with them, and how they shape you. It is being a witness to the change inside others, noticing the little things that make them unique. It is being willing to take chances, say hard things, and be present in good times and bad. And it is always working at being better. 

Overwhelmed

I admit it -I am overwhelmed right now.

Overwhelmed for many reasons. 

Because of the desire to turn back time and the knowledge that the Timeless One had control even in old memories. 

Because of the struggle I have to be motivated and initiate relationships and the opportunities I've had recently to really be engaged in the lives of those around me, enjoying deep discussions full of authenticity. 

Because of the stress that comes with class after class and the peace I have through the One who makes me lie down in green pastures.  

Because of the unknowns of the future that continues to grow near and the hope of the promise that my future has already been planned out.

Because of the longing to stay where I am at right now and the gratefulness that I've been here even this long.