In the busy pace of life and living it, I haven’t taken much time lately to evaluate where I’m at.

So when the question was raised today, “How are you doing?”, I paused to reflect.

How can I describe the heart-full of emotional richness that swells in my chest?

My life is… a tangible awareness, in every aspect. I’m living more fully than ever before.

If you’ve ever been through a season of not wanting to exist in your reality another day, and you’ve reached the other side of that valley, then you know the incredible journey of falling in love with life again.

I catch myself smiling or laughing, with genuine joy bubbling up inside – and the feeling takes my breath away. I have to pause and silently acknowledge the gift of joy, after being without it.

Rose petals are so intricately delicate in my fingers… the grass is more lush than ever before beneath my feet… the setting sun commands me to stand still and watch in silent awe.

As the colour comes flooding back into my world, I want to absorb it ALL!

I don’t think I’ll ever be as carefree again, but that’s okay. Life is richer now.

Knowing the darkness of a long night allows you to fully appreciate the light of daybreak, because you can feel the contrast.

I never knew that the simple things of nature could become breathtaking, awe inspiring sights. But now, they bring tears to my eyes with a deep sort of aching joy in my chest, because as my eyes take in the beauty, my heart knows that not all in this world is beautiful.

But the sorrow of life is what teaches us the capacity to recognize and appreciate beauty.

It’s a gift hard won, fought for with many tears, but it takes life to a depth and height I would never return from.

And most exciting of all… If life here is so much more meaningful when earthly beauty is contrasted with our pain, I can’t fathom the fullness of joy that we’ll feel when heaven’s perfection erases all the brokenness we’ve only ever known!

What a glorious contrast. And so definitely worth holding on for!