trying again

How long has it been since I've written? I've had a few people ask me recently if I am going to continue blogging. To be honest, I'm not sure. I'll try again, but it just doesn't serve the same purpose that it once did. It used to be the place where I would confess my frustrations and hardships, my joys and celebrations. Fortunately, I have other outlets for that now and I typically do those things in person with friends and family. Thus, my life and thinking has not been as public for the last year or so. I think that's okay. I think there is a time and season for everything. 

As of late, it has been a more introspective season. It has been a time to re prioritize my time, energy, and thoughts. This season has not been an easy one. And that's okay. I have been learning a lot about myself, relationships, parenting, friendships, marriage, love and God. Grace, mercy, compassion and unconditional love have all been painted and experienced in our lives in profound ways. God is teaching me to rely on Him in a way I never needed to, or knew how to do before. My mistakes, weaknesses and strengths are anchoring me to God. My experiences, decisions, falls and triumphs are becoming ways that I can relate to and connect with others on deep and profound levels. Those connections are exciting and wonderful. It's amazing how close you can be to others when you are vulnerable and real. 

For most of my life, I've lived with protective layers between myself and the rest of the world. I've acted as if things are okay and I was great and didn't need help, when often- nothing could be further from the truth. But something that I am realizing is that it is really freeing to be more real. People seem less intimidated by me and there is an opportunity to be deeper and closer. There is this wonderful opportunity to connect through the "me too" factor. Don't get me wrong, admitting that I am broken and messy is hard and painful. But being willing to feel that pain and address issues is much better than trying to escape it. When you distance yourself from others because you're afraid of getting hurt, hurting someone, or being rejected, you tend to miss out on a lot of exciting, authentic and meaningful relationships. So, I'm embarking on a path of realness and digging deep into the hard things, instead of burying them. Maybe I'll be brave enough to share some of this process with you readers- if you're interested. Maybe it will be an opportunity to grow closer to some of you, too. What are your thoughts on that? Meanwhile, below are some pictures of the last few months. Much love!

Kari