Things I Love

The first one in a while, I know.

On this, the last day of my twentieth year of blessed living, I will give you twenty things I love.

1. Jesus, for existing alongside me in all of the glorious and fragile moments.
2. SNOW! Yep, it snowed. In South Carolina. In fact, it has snowed three times in the past five days. Because life is amazing.
3. My fabulous family. My dog even recognized my presence as I walked in the door, so that was pretty impressive for such an old guy. Families keep you in place, they're good reorient-ers
4. My darling friends. The family I chose and chose me. God only knows what I would be without you.
5. Wheaton, IL. Last year I was riding down Washington and counting myself lucky to be living inside of your small but loveable lines and I feel the same now. It's an enduring kind of adoration.
6. Glasgow. You taught me what love is, in the oddest way, and how faithful the Lord can be.
7. Mary Oliver. When I first met you on paper I judged you hard core, but you became a beautiful and ever-applicable companion.
8. Food. Where would I be without you? Between Thanksgiving dinners and cheese cakes and four pumpkin pies, you make life worth living, truly.
9. Crafting. I wish I did more and did better and had more money to do more and better, but alas. But the attempt is so exhilarating.
10. Risks. I used to hate you so so so much. I was so afraid of you and the entire world. But walking down the side of mountain this summer, you and I became friends. It was one of my better moments.
11. Mischief. The kind my friends and I get into when stealing a tack board from Lower Beamer. The kind I'll get into later this semester with surprise art and love. The kind that is always surprising me.
12. Winter. I dreaded you, you were the enemy and I had so many weapons until I realized that it's better to justice relax beside you and enjoy the particular joys you bring. Thank you for a reason to sit down.
13. Homes away from home. I have about five of you, and each one is a different shade of love and peace, reminding me of all the ways that love and peace can find me.
14. Unrequited love. I talked about you yesterday and how you give me a greater capacity to love and greater appreciation for the large amount of love in my life. So, ever present friend, I'll hold your hand as long as needed.
15. Adventure. Will you be my best friend forever? Please? Because so far this has been legit.
16. Endings. Because just as your whole life ends you understand how to craft a new one.
17. Uganda. I hated you sooooo much while I was with you, and it's not until a year and a half later that I can mean it when I say that you are the pearl of Africa.
18. Edisto Beach. You hold the best parts of me throughout my entire life.
19. Letters. Only good things come from the mail, from coupons and catalogs to love letters and thank you notes.
20. Breathing. The simple act of taking in the air and redistributing a different kind to the rest of the world, this silent, thankless function of my lungs and diaphragm that soothes the anxious pieces and fuels the brave moments and is the engine for the laughter. The miracle of existence is so ordinary, so boring, simple and scary. But we keep on breathing, because it's worth taking in and it's worth giving back.

Much love,
Em