Life in the Grey.

I never want to be a person who isn't willing to view the world outside of myself. There's so much to learn and experience out there... and I refuse to let close-mindedness be the iron fist that rules.

There are so many different lifestyles... so many view points... so many ways of doing things and seeing things... and I want to understand them all. Real life is lived in the grey. Rarely do we find ourselves among the black and white absolutes. Don't misunderstand... there are sure absolutes in this world that I live my life upon. But let us not get confused that everything is so sure and concrete. Many things are not. And we have the opportunity to discover life in a new way when we take the time to dig deeper and think differently than what we are so often used to.

The next time you see something and you think it is wrong, before passing judgement... I dare you to ask why. Don't ever except something just because its what you're used to. Test everything. Understand the meaning behind what you are afraid of. Dig to the heart of the action or the belief. Because what you find there... may surprise you. It may have the power to encourage... to inspire beauty... to uncover real life in the deepest sense.

And so I do.. And I dare you too.. don't settle just for what you know... keep asking why.

Author Unknown

"Some people do not have to search, for they find their niche early in life and rest there seemingly contented and resigned. At times, I envy them but usually I do not understand them... And seldom do they understand me. I am one of those searchers. There are, I believe, millions of us. We are not unhappy, but neither are we completely content. We continue to explore ourselves, hoping to understand. We like to walk along the beach; we are drawn to the ocean, taken by its power and unceasing motion; its mystery and unspeakable beauty. We like forests, mountains, deserts, hidden rivers, and lovely cities as well. Our sadness is as much a part of our lives as our laughter. We are ambitious for life itself and for anything beautiful it can provide. Most of all, we want to love and be loved; to live in a relationship that will not impede our wanderings and prevent our search. We do not want to prove ourselves to others or compete for love. This passage is for wanderers, dreamers, and lovers who dare to ask of life everything which is good and beautiful."

Mt. St. Helens - July 26th, 2009

The time has come

It seems like only yesterday that I was sitting in my chair on a cold, rainy day in February. Fixated on my computer screen, I made the purchase...

10 permits.

$22 each.

Click submit. 

It is finalized. 

I am indeed going to climb Mt. St. Helen's on July 26th, 2009. 

Whoa.

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In that moment, climbing St Helen's seemed so far away... almost like a fleeting thought or undefinable dream in my mind. But now it is here. In fact, the epic event commences THIS Sunday! I can barely wrap my heart and mind around it. For some reason this means something so real to me. Its more than just climbing a mountain - especially since St. Helen's isn't any Mt. Rainier. But it is still a step in that direction. One day I will make it to the top of Rainier... and it all starts here. This is the beginning to something. I just know it. With meaning and purpose intertwined and running deep within... I will make it to the top. 

Despite the 95 degree weather we'll experience, despite the fact that I know its going to be difficult, it is something that will be experienced...

Joyfully. 

Intentionally pursued.

With arms wide open.

And heart-felt gratitude.

And so, this is for Him. 

From the crater edge on top of St. Helen's, I will behold this view of His perfect creation. 

And I will stand in awe of Beauty Defined.