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I am taken with Greece... not for it's awe inspiring beauty or it's breathtaking sunsets, or the way the light bounces and dances through the white buildings; but rather for the way this place has awakened something in me. There are moments in life when I feel like we are keenly aware of something growing in us, I'm grateful for those rare moments of grace when God gives us his eyes and shows us that there is something stirring within. Most times growth feels just like that potted cactus that sits on my shelf that I water once a week. I seriously doubt it's getting any bigger, sometimes I wonder if watering it is more for me than the plant. But I suppose that is kind of how most growth is.... slow and steady like an old man with lines that have taken a lifetime to carve their way into his face.
But then there are moments where you feel growth jolt you forward, like you are getting closer to the person you were meant to become. It's those beautiful nuggets of truth that stick to our hearts like un-floured dough. Those moments when we discover something about the person we have wanted to be all along.
As I meander through the colorful corners of the cobblestone streets in Greece and bend down to pet the alley cats that find their way through my ankles, I am given the beautiful ease of understanding that life is not about doing....much to my goal-oriented disappointment :) Those people who already understand this have all kinds of time to get a lot less done and enjoy those rich and imperfect sacred moments that life gives us. As I sip my espresso and look around me I am aware of so many small simplicities that make life radically sacred. Life is to be explored, rested in, danced in, enjoyed & taken in. Life is not a list. It is not a set of obligations or goals, and I must remember to leave more room in my life for the holy (and un-holy) moments to unfold. I must make more time to watch, embrace, smile, love and be thankful.
Greece has given me this beautiful gift of understanding.. It has also given me the gift of Nutella crepes which have made me all gooey around the middle. I have had one every morning since I arrived. I probably should be thinking about the way it is making my handles more "lovely" but this friends, is one of those moments when I smile, taste and take it all in :)
Thoughts
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I couldnt help but shed a tear upon reading your post. I guess it touched me so much because I live in Greece and I realized how many things I take for granted.
You are amazingly talented not only in capturing life but in bringing life and emotions into your words.
Keep inspiring. =)
This post made me cry. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with the interwebs today.
Very inspiring post, Sarah! And the images are just beautiful.
Delightful!
Inspiring. Romantic. Humble. Insightful.
Great words penned Sarah. Thanks for that today.
sarah
your pictures are great, as usual. but your third paragraph really hits me. i have recently had this "enlightenment" myself and am glad you have put it in words so elegantly. life is truly about "taking it all in" and enjoying moments that may never come again, not hurrying to the next stage or planning it all away. it really is quite simple, and has given me perspective and a new calmness. thank you!
Wonderful post. I can't wait to see the pictures from the wedding-- I'm sure they will be stunners!
I love your post and your pictures are beautiful! Enjoy the nutella crepes!
that blue sky is unreal. amazing. cheers to this being your "job"!
now I must put this on my list of places to visit...hopefully sooner rather than later!
Love this post.
Enjoy. Savour. Eat Crepes!
Don't you love the fresh perspective that travel can provide? I fell in love with Nutella crepes in NYC. So delicious!
These are BEAUTIFUL!
Is there a way I can purchase some prints of these for my house? :)
You have such a beautiful soul.
Beautiful words! And I've been to Greece once and absolutely adored it, it was such a great holiday!
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Greece! Thanks for sharing.
think this is such an amazing post both in your writing and in your pictures! it's such a blessing to be able to get away from the familiar and soak in fresh and new sights/sounds/tastes. Glad God is helping you to see in new and awe inspiring ways through your trip!
Sarah!!! I adore and love you!! Beautiful and beautiful.
Your images are magical.
You have a beautiful gift with words. As much as with photography :) I can't wait to go to Greece - I always knew it was special! :) :) :)
this is such a beautiful post, sarah. it makes me happy because i completely understand what you're talking about, but i could never put it in words like you have.
Pretty,calm,joy
This is a beautifully written post, Sarah. You are so right...life is not just a to-do list and sometimes it's so hard to remember that! Greece looks like the most amazing place. I have always wanted to go there. Hopefully Reece and I see it someday :-)
These are just lovely. Greece is in my top 5 places to explore....thank you for sharing.
beautifully written and so so true. thank you for the lovely reminder.
life is not a list... I like that a lot
seriously sarah... love it. every word i read gave me chills and then the photos just brought your words to life. beautiful sentiments, beautiful photographs. as always!
Nutella Crepe induced love handles are worth it.
So beautifully said and captured :)
Sarah,
You are such a profound writer. I thoroughly enjoy reading your blog as well as seeing the uber gorgeous photos that you produce!!! You are such an all around artist!!! Greece looks inspiring from your pov. Love it!!!!
Sarah, beautiful blog entry...as always, I love your photos. Simply lovely. Thank you.
It's lovely, Sarah. Absolutely lovely.
Sarah, this is such a beautiful set of wise words! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and talent:)
those words are truths sister. gorgeous frames :)
I love Greece!!! Enjoy your visit, and thanks for the reminder - my mind rarely wanders from the eternal "to-do" list... it's good to remember to slow down! :)
sacred moments in the daily. i love this post. especially the first picture: so full and rich.
Ahhhh...these are my roots....these beautiful shots give me comfort and also send a shooting pain through my heart. I miss the smell, I miss the air, I miss the sun...everything is different in Greece.
Have you seen the black side of the island yet? For those reading, The black side has black sand, other side has white. Ancient volcano issues...and you can even dive and see the houses that sank into the water when the volcano errupted! Sad, but interesting now that it's become a part of history.
Enjoy our beautiful Greece! Oh, and Nutella crepes...TDF!
Just lovely. You are a beautiful photographer and a beautiful writer.
Lovely Sarah! Makes me think about Mary vs. Martha. (I don't know if you heard last weeks sermon or not).
WELL SAID! What I've been thinking about all week long, trying to slow down and make time for these moments! Enjoy them as they happen!
Love this! And so what I'm feeling right at this moment!
oh how i relate to this. beautiful, sarah.
AMAZE!