Simple Things

It’s 10:42PM. My jaw aches from clenching my teeth all day. My whole body hurts something awful. My mind is tired. And I still have to prep for tomorrow. So while this post may seem a little disjointed, bear with me. I just need to remember today. And the simple things.

Today I woke up with both nostrils plugged after crying myself to sleep a mere 4 hours prior. (“Dude, you cry a LOT!”) Why? I’m so drained. So.. numb? This past month has been a tornado of portfolio preparation, kicking myself in the butt for putting off wedding planning, being far from Dylan while he’s in Houston, overcoming my phobia of flying, deciding on our first home, experiencing complete culture shock, and trying to transition my business down south. I’m spent.

My day went on. But not as I thought it would.. My portfolio prints for today’s review were delivered to my door just in the knick of time to mount them for presentation. And get this.. A grape flavored blow pop was included in the package. I’m not going to lie, “Is this really poison??” went through my head. But I quickly decided that since grape flavor is my favorite, it couldn’t possibly be poison. Instead, it was a little reminder that today had potential to be great! Another case in point: I found bracelets I had been looking for under my couch cushion immediately after. NEXT to a piece of gum, that wasn’t even stale! Yes, my day was looking up.

Now, I won’t bore you with too many details from portfolio review. But I will say that when Prof. Tony Golden said, “I’m proud of you, kid!” (in that insanely chipper voice of his) I melted into a big Alyse-shaped puddle.

When I was walking home, I was struck by the beauty of God’s creation. I’m a sucker for this stuff, obvi. :) The sunset was incredible tonight. And ya’ll know when I see gorgeous light, I just gahhhhh. (Gahhhhh is a verb. Look it up.) I wanted to take all these things in. You know, the simple things. Like really strong, warm winds making the trees dance. Like grape flavored blow pops. Like portfolio reviews gone right.

And it came to me.. A thought I’d always entertained, but never really understood. Until today… “I am FOR you. NOT against you.” When I can’t seem to gain control of my life, God is FOR me. When I become overwhelmed by literally e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g, God is FOR me. And it shows. In the simple things. Amen? Amen.