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| Renovations at my family's log cabin. Original building is over 200 years old. |
It is May 1st, 2012.
I stare at my keyboard, and my eyes are wet. A random song just played on the radio and it made me think of another reason I get to sit here.
I sit here, and I am free.
I am free. I can get up and go to the restroom. I can walk to
whichever one I choose- the closer one or the one farther away. I can
use my cell phone, even though I hate talking on it. I can get
frustrated because my battery overheats from my constant streaming of internet radio throughout the day on my phone. I can become depressed, feeling as if my life isn’t always in line with my TRUE purpose. I can get paranoid because I am supposed to be working on something that does not relate to this message I am typing...
Two years ago, I didn’t know that when I would wake up the next morning, I would be trying to save things in my house that I thought I couldn’t live without. Two years ago, I didn’t know that exactly a year later, I would be crying in Centennial Park after getting a call from my mom saying that my Poppaw Aubrey had passed away. Two years ago, I didn’t know I would be sitting here today- free. I didn’t know; we never know…
I am free, and more grateful than I have ever been in my life. I am
grateful I don’t know what’s coming. I am grateful I am not the same
person I was two years ago. My life as a Nashvillian and as an
American- but even more importantly, as a Spiritually driven being,
has completely changed. My life has changed and I am so grateful. It
is my prayer to continue to see Light and Love in every person I
encounter. It is my prayer to have the courage and faith to open up
my arms and eyes, embracing the changes to come. As soon as you
understand that God is there and will take care of you no matter what
the circumstance, it's as if you are almost looking forward to the
next battle- the next change. As soon as you love beyond expectation
and circumstance, you begin to see a greater view of the freedom you
have in your life.
Today I remember. I remember Josh Harris and what a legacy he left
behind. As our president visits Afghanistan, I am sure Josh’s friends
and his memory will be reflected upon with esteemed valor. I remember
my dear Poppaw Aubrey, who would most likely have wished our newly
renovated cabin in the woods to stay its old self. BUT, would smile
with a twinkle in his eyes at all the “new” pristineness anyway- just
because it has been a labor of love for his children- whom he loved
more than just about anything. I remember all the hands who worked on
the Harpeth and all the love poured into its walls, floors, in and
out sides. I remember how many prayers were said during that time in
my life and who prayed for me and with me. I remember- not to embrace
the suffering, but to be grateful for the direct results of grace,
patience and joy- the outcome of the suffering.
behind. As our president visits Afghanistan, I am sure Josh’s friends
and his memory will be reflected upon with esteemed valor. I remember
my dear Poppaw Aubrey, who would most likely have wished our newly
renovated cabin in the woods to stay its old self. BUT, would smile
with a twinkle in his eyes at all the “new” pristineness anyway- just
because it has been a labor of love for his children- whom he loved
more than just about anything. I remember all the hands who worked on
the Harpeth and all the love poured into its walls, floors, in and
out sides. I remember how many prayers were said during that time in
my life and who prayed for me and with me. I remember- not to embrace
the suffering, but to be grateful for the direct results of grace,
patience and joy- the outcome of the suffering.
Just another reason to know that my God is GOOD and loves us. He truly does love you and me.
Rest and rejoice in that today- and be free, my friends. Be free in knowing just that.
Still teary-eyed from the reflection this day brings. Yet remaining eternally love-filled- with a faith growing stronger with EACH day knowing I am free to reflect on the Lord’s love for us all.
Jennie Lee
To learn more about Josh Harris...
Aubrey Jewell Temple- My Poppaw's Legacy
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