I really like the word embrace.
Besides the clear message of love and affection that it brings to mind, there is an intentionality to it that challenges me.
At our wedding, Jeff and I danced our first dance to the popular 80’s song, Just You & I.
We chose it for this line: “And I remember our first embrace, the smile that was on your face, the promises that we made.”
I DO.
I remember our first embrace. It came before our first kiss.
And meant a lot more.
To embrace a thing is to hold onto it whole-heartedly. Both arms.
That’s the thing too. It takes starting with empty arms.
In order to embrace whole-heartedly something has to get put down.
The embrace Jeff and I shared on that little country road almost 30 years ago held a lifetime of promise.
And more sacrifice than we’d ever imagined.
Over and over through the years I have had to “put things down” so with empty arms I could embrace all life brought . . good and not so.
But our marriage has been better than I ever dreamed.
Dreams are like that.
They require empty arms. A wholehearted embrace. Lots of sacrifice.
And much like marriage and babies, if we knew how hard they’d be, we’d probably say no.
Today I’m thinking about what I need to put down, so with empty arms I can fully embrace the God-sized dream I’m pursuing.
It’s not easy.
My kids and husband like breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Every night.
Clean underwear too. Except Sam . . he’s ten and doesn’t care a bit. We could all learn something from Sam. Just kidding.
Isolating myself from friends and family would kind of defeat the purpose of creating something that encourages others.
So what? What can I put down?
Aha!
I can put down perfection.
Expectations that are unnecessarily high.
The need to control (my infinite delusion).
And instead accept and enjoy today. As is.
Embracing the task at hand. Wholeheartedly.
Whether it’s making a meal or working on WINSOME.
Perfection, expectations, control . . they’re too heavy to carry anyway.
And my arms have better things to embrace.
This post was inspired by Holley. Click here to read more about “Living With Your Whole Heart.”
Since Valentine’s Day is coming. Here’s a song for you 80’s ladies!
And how about that embrace in the picture up top?! It’s my son Daniel with his brand new fiancé, Hilary. Congratulations, guys!
This is beautiful, Kim! Thank you for the reminder to let go of elusive perfection and embrace God's gifts instead. His plans are always better than mine.
Thank you, Janine. Yes, HIS plans . . always 🙂
Ah, just accept and enjoy today. That's the key isn't it?
Love love love the song, one of my favorite from the 80's. Your son and his fiance are precious. Great picture.
Yes, Alecia . . TODAY. It's what we have! I think they're precious too. Young love is!
I will embrace today with arms open wide to whatever God has for me. That can be scary since it involves trust. But God is good and He always loves me. How wonderful! Thanks for the reminder, Kim!
You're so welcome, Diane. Thanks for your comment!
Putting down perfection – something I need to work harder on. I have to learn to let some things go. Thanks for the reminder to accept and enjoy!
I think we all are constantly working on this . . imperfectly 😉
Love this…thank you for sharing! There are some really wonderful things out there to embrace, aren't there? Blessings! 🙂
There ARE, Mel! Thanks for reading!
Kim, thank you for another beautiful post…such great reminders to live each day with open arms 😀
Thanks for sharing this. I am becoming more present to creating space in my life and for others. However, had not considered the embrace. Thanks for helping me connect the dots. Embracing also reminds me of Galatians and what really counts is faith expressing itself through love. May we continue to embrace something good, through love.
I appreciated and enjoyed reading this post! Great reminder and so true what you wrote. Thank you for sharing! Take care! Lisa P.S. I love that photo of Daniel and Hilary, too. 🙂