Friday, November 7, 2008

A Life Uncommon..

My heart is so full tonight, I feel that I need to share a few thoughts. Welcome to the inside of my head and heart! It's a vulnerable place, but it's overflowing with so much emotion tonight. You know how you experience those moments that change you for the better and you are never the same? That happens to me often. I have a lot of "little" life changing moments. Like the time I hear a song that speaks to my heart, or meeting a new person who is so full of light, or someone says something that makes so much sense, or reading a book or watching a movie that just change you. That is what makes life the journey, not the destination. Tonight I had one of those life changing moments. I was able to see the movie "The Secret Life of Bees". Who knew a movie could make me think and feel so much?! I think it helped that I went into the theater with a lot already on my mind. Wow...what a powerful message that movie spoke to my soul. I came out of that theater a different person than when I entered. I love how life does that. You are constantly growing and changing and improving for the better. One of the many messages I got out of that movie is just the love the girl felt for everyone around her. She didn't care the color of your skin, what you looked like, or the choices you had made. She just loved each person and saw the good in them. I strive for that Christ-like love on a daily basis. I desire to love and accept others, no matter what they choose to do with their life. That love changes everything. I wish everyone could love others that way, our world would be so different. We waste too much time judging one another. Another message I took from it was to not be afraid of your emotions, and to live life to the fullest. It is definitely a movie everyone should see.
As I was driving home, I drove past downtown Denver. I absolutely love seeing big buildings in a big city, all lit up at night. Ever since I was a little girl, I have found great joy when I would enter a big city at night. I think the reason I love it so much is the buildings are so big, so many people are around, it just makes me feel like the world is so big, that there's more out there than I can dream of. I can't really explain it, but it is a pure joy for me, and I think it always will be. I have seen downtown Denver a few times at night, and I still feel that excitement when I see it all lit up. It's so majestic to me. And then it hit me, how there is something greater and more majestic than those tall, lit up buildings that brings me the best kind of joy there is. And that is Jesus Christ. He is the core and center of my being. He is the example for the way I want to live my life. He is so aware of me, of each of us. He loves so selflessly, with no strings attached. He brings me pure, true, peaceful joy. Because of Him, I have faith and hope. Everything and everyone that is around me is a testament that He lives, and that He is always by my side. His love enfolds me. I cherish the relationship I share with Him. When I find fulfillment in that, everything else in my life works out and I am calm and okay. What a gift that knowledge has brought to my life. The spirit speaks truth, and I have had truth confirmed to me of who He is, and what He did and continues to do. He led a life uncommon, and that is what I strive for.

7 comments:

Salmon Tolman Family said...

What a beautiful, heart-written blog! I loved the book, I can't wait to see the movie. I also love to see big cities! But what a wonderful comparison to Jesus Christ and his gospel! It was so well-written, and I enjoyed reading the insight to your soul.

Kim said...

Oh Tawna, as long as I have known you (getting close to 20 years) I have always admired your testimony. You are truly someone who does live the pure love of Christ. I miss you and can't wait to see you again.

Kelsy and Brad said...

Have you read that book? Amazing.

Kristin said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Kristin said...

Tawna you're so amazing! You have so many of those moments because you are open to them. You are able to see them for what they are. You are such an example to me. I love you!

Queen of Kings said...

Tawna,
I LOVE reading your blog! You are such an inspiration! Thank you for posting your what is in your heart and your mind it is a great benefit to others especially me! You are so AMAZING I can feel the Love that you have for the Savior in all of your entries I strive to be like that. Thank you for your words on Love and seeing others as he does I forget that sometimes and need a good reminder so THANK YOU! Thank You for the comments on our blog you are simply WONDERFUL!

Dave and Jayme Richards said...

I have never heard of the movie, but am going to see it when I get the chance. You are so inspiring. I love how in-tune you are with the spirit & how you can realize those little moments & understand the meaning of them. Thank you so much for sharing this post. It brought tears to my eyes. You truly are inspiring to me. I look up to you so much! Thank you for being my friend. Love ya!