tonight was worth the drive

I've realized most of my posts lately have been quite somber. 'Tis the season. Will probably not always be this way :)

Two posts for tonight because the subject matter is different. This is number one:

My heart is full tonight - too much thought and emotion to be contained within Lynnwood city limits, so I drove to Greenlake and perched on a concrete runner at the water's edge. The quietness of sunset and a relieving sense of anonymity as strangers walk the path behind me, mindless of my presence, provide much needed space to think without engaging. It is peaceful.

The birds and the water and the airbrushed sky flood my senses, distract my attention from Hugo's detailed character profiles.

An Islamic man comments on the passing ducklings and eventually asks about Christianity, redirecting my thoughts from nature to religion.

Five phone calls from a friend interrupt our conversation and allow me to drift from theology into relationship.

This is my travel. This is my adventure. My body stays local while my soul and mind explore fresh terrain. My eyes discover new beauty while tracing familiar landscapes. My heart steps beyond well-worn paths, vulnerable and exposed, into deep and lovely territory.

My exploration lately has been as wide as the greater Seattle area and as deep as the reaches of a soul. I am satisfied because I am being challenged...in the past this was one of my main incentives to travel. Maybe new motivations will come, but for now my mission is this moment.