"Springtime in my Soul."
That's what was spoken by a friend at the Ash Wednesday Service I attended last night. This really stayed with me - that a person's soul is capable of having life even when something (like a habit) is taken away. The "springtime" aspect gives me the hope that this separation won't last forever. There is an end in sight but it is the process, or the things that we learn along the way, that truly matter the most.
Today, I didn't really miss being connected to social media. In all honesty, the ability to "disconnect" and focus on a desire deep within that mattered (teaching, family, rest) - that was/is the key. There were times where I looked at my phone and wondered about what was going on with my friends, but then I was gently reminded that I can call them, talk to them, or schedule a coffee date with them. Ahh, the essence of being personal! Granted, not every day I will feel focused to participate in something completely opposite of my habits that I've called my own for such a long period of time. I do know, however, that our society lacks that person-ability in a world so dominated by tweets, texts, status updates, and pictures. Every time I look to snap a picture of the latest beautiful sunrise or sunset, I think to myself: "Just enjoy it." Historically, cameras were a luxury that captured significant moments in people's lives. What's the point of documenting every little bit of my life in pictures and broadcasting it to a world that I forget to acknowledge the beauty and creativity behind it all?
My hope is that you would see the "springtime" in your soul - whether you've called the cold wintry climate your home for years or have seen snippets of spring frolic in your life. Be open to the blossoming and buds, and allow the warm sunshine heat up your soul in the days ahead.
