Monday, August 27, 2012

The Sand on the Shore




Sit on the shore, as the sunset fades,
run your fingers through the sand
grip,
grasp,
squeeze,
as the grains flee downward.
Now scoop broadly, loosely, gently
some grains fall,
some stick to finger tips,
most rest.
Notice mica, silica, granite
endless sizes, shades, shapes.
The stars begin to assemble,
glinting into the night,
answering the roll call
of Abraham’s descendants.   

 

Monday, August 13, 2012

Traveling Off the Map


As I wrote last week, it was my birthday last Thursday.  Eleven years ago, also on a Thursday, I turned 22.  That day I happened to listen to “Let That Be Enough” by Switchfoot. 


It was an interesting coincidence, and the song struck me.  At that time I was in an in between place.  I had graduated from college in Maryland, where most of my friends lived, and was back at my Dad’s house in Massachusetts working a temporary summer job.  My parents had divorced that year, I had no friends from high school, and I really had no idea what I was doing.  I had reached the edge of the map, so to speak.  It was always assumed that I would go to college, so when I finished that, there weren’t any more plans to follow.  “Let That Be Enough” really resonated. 

Shortly thereafter, in a turn of events that surprised me and everyone who knew me, I moved out to the Pacific Northwest, September 30th to be exact.  And thus began an amazing new chapter of my life.  I’ve lived here eleven years now and with last Thursday’s birthday, I feel like I’m beginning a new chapter.  This chapter doesn’t begin with moving, but it does push further off the map into uncharted (for me) territory.  The things I learn or struggle with along the way will make it onto my blog to share with you. 

One element of beginning a new chapter is reflecting on the old.  Or to use the map metaphor, looking back over where you’ve traveled.  Birthdays on Facebook mean wall posts with birthday wishes.  This year I took extra joy in all of the posts from friends.  Here, in one place, were birthday wishes from friends from every season and sphere of my life.  I was thankful, blessed, and humbled by all the people I’ve connected with over my thirty-three years.  I’ve traveled much, both metaphorically and literally, and I’ve been blessed to have shared so many different stretches of road with you, my friends and family, fellow journeyers on this road of life.  Thank you, and here’s to the next chapter!

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Happy Birthday to Me!


Consider this post your birthday party goodie bag, filled with random bits of fun stuff, not really connected at all.

 Today I turn thirty-three.  Which is how old Jesus was when He started His work.  So I should probably get busy now.  :o)

One of my favorite non-main Star Trek characters is Lwaxana Troi.  She is quite eccentric and has this really impressive string of official titles.  She is Lwaxana Troi, Daughter of the Fifth House of Betazed, the Holder of the Sacred Chalice of Rixx, and Heir to the Holy Rings of Betazed.  Along the theme of names, titles are that by which one is known.  I've been feeling like in this last season of my life, Jesus has been expanding my titles:
Sarah, Princess, Dear One,
Bat-Melek, Daughter of the King,
a Woman Unashamed.

I do in fact intend to blog more regularly.  I've been shooting for one a week, but hitting one a month.  As a birthday is a new start (like New Years), I'm going to be diving back in to blogging with renewed intentionally.  So stay tuned!

I've been tweeting one "Random thing for which I am #thankful" each day.  You can follow me on Twitter @Batmelek.  If you've missed it, let me get you caught up:

Random things for which I am #thankful:
—good headphones and music recorded in stereo.
—bosses who have and show compassion for their employees.
—salmon and hazelnuts!
—straight up blue, (the color of the sky directly above you on a clear day), and its memories.
—the resiliency of two year olds!
—rocking out to @Superchick !
—Tuba! #Tuba #Tuba #Tuba #yesalwayscapitalized #showrespect
—that I am not a Vulcan. (Though Vulcans are still cool. LLAP)
—Stewie’s unbridled enthusiasm when I pick up his leash.
—analogy and metaphor, and their cousin parable.
—the smell of rice cooking.  

And lastly, a picture of my parents and me.

I'm off to eat my birthday tomato soup cake, catch you next week!