Soul to Soul

Breathing Room

A space designed to hold us close and expand our hearts

“Hallelujah! I give thanks to God with everything I’ve got wherever good people gather, and in the congregation.”

-Psalm 111:1 msg

September 10, 2023

I received a package in the mail from my Aunt Brenda. Photographs of those who have passed on and some of those who are still here. As I shuffled through pictures of my family, my eyes welled up with tears. Simultaneously filled with grief and gratitude, I thought of the many memories created over the years. Life is always changing, expanding, moving just like a river carving paths through the land. Cherish the moments, tuck them away in the depths of your heart for use when needed. Remember.

Jodi

August 11.2023

The dog walked me tonight. I wanted to lounge; my bed and I are close friends. For over an hour I debated whether to throw on my tennis shoes and pound the pavement. I am still not completely sure if it was her puppy dog eyes or my desire to get some air that propelled me to head outside. The night air is cool and inviting. The breeze refreshed me. I noticed something as we made our way, leaves falling from the trees and gently fluttering to the ground below. It’s been hot. It’s nearly the middle of August. We are deep in the heyday of Summer and leaves are not only falling, but they are turning.

I am in a strange period in my life. Transitioning for sure. I feel my personal change of season. Like a child staring out the window on a rainy day, I long to be outside ripping and running as the old folks used to say. The only thing is that I am not just speaking of getting outdoors but forging beyond parts of my current life and creating anew. Sometimes life feels stagnant even with all of my traveling and going and doing and being. Tonight’s walk, the cooler air, the changing leaves reminded me that even when we may not perceive it, life is moving. Evolving. That word probably best describes my state right now.

One of my sisters and I had a phone discussion today on recognizing when your season has shifted. That is a word, a whole entire word. Yes, tonight I perceived transformation on the horizon.

June 17, 2023

Sometimes I feel like I should begin my Soul to Soul entries with “Dear Diary…”. This page of the blog feels a little more vulnerable than the others. Inhale. I am sitting at one of my new favorite local cafes writing to all of you. As I begin typing and getting ready to dive into my tasty treat, I instantly think of one of my aunts. I capture a picture of my food true to the new world rules of photographing every morsel prior to messing up the photo op by taking a bite. As I send the picture to her via text, I feel a sense of accomplishment as I included a little witty humor. Funny the things that trigger memories. Her response led us into a chat about pain, suffering, and the peace of God. This is something I believe we are all familiar with. Maybe to different degrees, but no one escapes this life untouched by some amount of heartache.

I shared a scripture that has been on my mind. Isaiah 41:10 – I am not going to type it out here, but I do hope you look it up and read it for yourself. I let her know that her life is such an inspiration to so many. People admire her selflessness, courage, and sweet spirit. She told me how she feels about me. We did not mix words, really nothing left unsaid. It was not a lengthy conversation, just a heart-to-heart text chat. That is so soul satisfying on so many levels. What started as me sharing a piece of coffee cake took us on a journey filled with challenging emotions and the healing balm of words exchanged with the purest of intentions.

She started her text with “I think God put me on your heart…”. I think that is true. I also know for sure that I needed her as much as she needed me right now. My intention was to write something completely different, but this story truly reflected the joy that can be found through the sharing of heavy burdens with a trusted soul. A slice of cake with crumble topping and a layer of blueberry and raspberry filling reminded me of her. She is from the generation that stayed in the kitchen for hours and spared not the butter, sugar, and vanilla extract. Maybe some of the sweetest moments in life occur when we follow the crumbs back to our roots, back to the ingredients that matter. Exhale.

June 12, 2023