This week we had the immense pleasure of getting to spend time in Kansas City, Missouri. We lived in Kansas City from July 2008 - June 2012. While we were there, we set down deep roots. We had many very close friends. We were super at home in our church. I had a very close network of pastor wives and future pastors wives. We had wonderful friends at our jobs that we got to walk life with closely. We had our own spots at the Porter dinner table.
We moved back to Colorado almost a year ago. Our shower water evaporates quickly off us when we get our of the shower and we are not under tornado watches all the time. We get to be close to family, and see beautiful amazing scenery every day:
Colorado is sooo beautiful. The mountains. The beautiful white snow. The wild flowers.
Independence is... Well, not beautiful. Now, I am a bit of a snob having grown up in such beautiful country here in Colorado. I do remember being kind of depressed by the winter scenery in Missouri and just feeling gloomy like all the leafless trees. I remember driving by lots of run down buildings. I remember when we lived there, how much I longed for beauty.
But this weekend, being back in Missouri, I was struck by amazing beauty in Independence. The beauty of sitting and laughing with friends. The beauty of having a quiet cup of coffee with a wonderful friend. The beauty of hugs from lots of kids who miss me lots. The beauty of sharing a familiar church service with a group of people worshipping God.
We have some of that beauty here in Colorado too. But Bryson and I both agreed this weekend... Independence has a way of completely worming its way into your heart. And it is not the buildings or the scenery. It is the amazing people. The people of Independence and Missouri are some of the best people in the world. Now, don't get me wrong, we are thankful for the people we are getting to know here and the budding friendships we have. We have enjoyed great times with people here in Fort Collins. But, the people of Missouri are just well... Special. They bend over backward for you. They bring you in like family. They will do anything for you. People don't get wrapped up so in their own lives and careers like i know i tend to, and the way i have seen in other parts of the country that are so technologically driven. The people of Missouri that we spent time with care so deeply about the beauty of connection with another person. It is a way of life. It is just an ordinary thing.
This weekend I was totally struck by a quote from the finale of the series The Office. Pam said, "There is a lot of beauty in ordinary things. Isn't that kind of the point?" All of the beauty of the people of Missouri touched me so deeply this week. And getting to once again just share in the beauty of ordinary life with close friends.
This week, I hope wherever you are, you are able to take a step back, and a deep breath. Let go of the career, of your smart phone, your computer, and take a moment to find a connection with someone. Then make that an ordinary thing. And see the beauty around.
Oh, and Chris and Rochelle got married! It was beyond ordinary... But also amazingly beautiful!
