Wednesday, October 17, 2012

What I Wore: Living my Dash

1977 - ?
I have a beginning date -- a birth date.
And by the grace of God, I don’t have an end date yet.
But I recently read that it’s not the beginning or the end date that counts, but that dash in between.

Think about it.

Your birth and death will be two significant dates, marked with importance and prominence. But the majority of your life will defined by that dash in between. That tiny dash - and what you do with it.

I want my dash to matter.
 To God. To my kids. To others.

So, what matters?

That answer is different for everyone.

But I know what DOESN’T matter:
Cars. Money. Houses. Decorations. Trophies…. 
All those things go away.
In the end, I won’t ask to be surrounded by my trophies, houses and money. I will want to be surrounded by the people I love and relationships I’ve built.

So how do I live my dash?
I love God.
I love my boys.
I love my neighbor.

And I try to live and love fully and freely.
Every day.
And even when I fail, at least I fail trying.


Sometimes living my dash means showing God’s love by extending love out of my comfort zone or out of my borders. {Literally}
 
MexicoPIC
{Volunteering at a Mexican Orphanage, September 2012}
Shirt and Jeans: Old  Navy
 

And always - living my dash means being a mom and spending quality time with my boys: 

541107_4640022999092_1688552439_n
{SDSU Football Game, October 2012 – Little man is tired in this pic... or giving a model pose}
SDSU Shirt: a birthday present
Jeans: Styles for Less

They are the extension of my life and my legacy of God’s love here on earth. 


And every once in a while, living my dash means pushing the limits of my inner and outer self:

 
 
555572_4420393548493_512890159_n
{Zip Lining in Big Bear, August 2012}
Shirt: “Shine On” shirt from The Shine Project
Capris: Target
Shoes: New Balance Running Shoes
Awesome hat and gloves: From the zip lining company

I noticed something from writing these 'what I wore' posts as well. My best, shiniest and nicest clothes are not always worn in my best, shiniest and nicest moments. 

I realized the most extraordinary, meaningful and significant moments in my life usually require the most ordinary and insignificant clothes.

Living my dash.

What does it mean to live yours?


Here is the poem I read that was the inspiration for this post and my thoughts:

10 comments:

Unknown said...

Inspiring post! You definitely seem to be living life to the fullest! :)

<3 Daryl
Roots, Wings & Other Things

CarrieAnn said...

Stumbled upon your blog while googling 21st birthday party ideas for my oldest son... which led to a pinterest site...which led to your blog.

I actually didn't find the birthday party idea that got me to your blog, which didn't matter as my attention was taken with your 'Dash' blog post, and your story. Thanks so much for sharing.

I am also a Mother of Sons (My sons are 16+8mo and 20+363days) :) They are near and dear to my heart.

May the Lord bless you and keep you, and may His face shine upon you as you live your life loving Him, your boys and your neighbors.

Take care,
CarrieAnn

Anonymous said...

I've been wanting to try the Big Bear zip line!!!

Great post...enjoy the dash!

Unknown said...

i loved reading this, it was a sweet reminder for my night, so thank you!

Have a fabulous night! Stop by nichollvincent.blogspot.com and say hello!

The Four on Board said...

This is my all time favorite poem. The first time I heard it I was at my grandpa's funeral and I told my husband that day that I want this read at my funeral too. I absolutely LOVE the meaning behind it and think about it often. Thanks for the reminder :)

Chrissy + Nate said...

What an encouraging post! I heard that poem about your dash at Student Council camp back in 2004, so it was nice to get to see it again! It is so important how we spend our time on earth: not to be OF this earth, but like you said, to love one another. It is so important to help shine God's light throughout this world and we are to be that light! Thank you for the reminder :) Following you!

Anonymous said...

So true! Your thoughts challenge me today, and I needed to be reminded of this!

Craftberry Bush said...

Hey Rea...thank you for this beautiful post...it's funny that this is the first link from the linky party that I opened. I usually start at the top and work my way down, but I opened yours first #24.
Thank you for such a beautiful post...xo
Lu

Kristine@thefoleyfam said...

LOVE this friend! You really are truly beautiful inside and out! Thank you for sharing!

Kristine from The Foley Fam {unedited} Blog

Kelly said...

I LOVE this!!! I agree with my friend Kristine!! You are BEAUTIFUL inside and out! And man oh man...when you said: "My best, shiniest and nicest clothes are not always worn in my best, shiniest and nicest moments. "...ouch...ouch...ouch isn't that the truth!!! You have an amazing heart!

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