love, legacy, and stature.

I can't believe its been so long since I'v posted. I guess my writing has sort of migrated over to the instagram caption route ( instaelise213). However, my days have been filled with work, trying new recipes, and taking time to hike and enjoy the gorgeous pacific north west summer.

This last week was one that reminded me of legacy living--and being reminded that where I am today is purposed and good. It's not a "cute" life until (fill-in-the-blank-life-goal) happens, its a called and good life. NOW.

I went on a gorgeous hike, met fellow hikers- graduates from nothwest university and beginning teachers (what are the chances?!) and spent time exploring ehe snoqualmie area. There's just something about getting outside that clears my head--the journey and goal of hiking is such as metaphor for life-- the winding path with obstacles, fellow travelers, the gorgeous views, and the goal of working hard to reach a summit--all mirror life.

Later in the evening I attended a delightful and poignant musical, "Sweet land" at a local theatre (check it out!)  And again I was reminded of legacy as the story centered on the beginning of Inga's life in minnesota (a German immigrant after world war 1) when she hopes to marry a Norwegian farmer.

My great grandma came over from Norway, and settled as a farmer in minnesota..so the family ties weren't hard to see. but what struck me about the story was Inga's determination--and the flash foward to the 70's and her legacy, which reminded us that we never really know how our lives will impact generations to come. I was reminded that my legacy has already started. I may not have a family of my own, but my life and story matter today.

And then, today, with legacy on my mind I prayed for an opportunity to see how my life and my story could impact another.  Then, I had a conversation with a mom and daughter that was 17 years in the making.

17 years ago I was 13, and had been told by a doctor that I was done growing. There's enough to be insecure about at 13, but thinking you're done growing, at under 5 feet- is not usually one of them. I vividly remember that day-- thinking that life as I knew it was over. that it would literally shorten my future--that my normal dreams would be impossible--that I would fall too short (pun intended).

But today, I was able to look a fellow under-five-footer in the eye, and have an empathy born out of experience. Today, she was me 17 years ago. I couldn't help but be grateful for the opportunity to share in her experience. To let her know its okay to be sad, to see it as a loss. To feel like it makes you different and its not what you thought life would be. later, talking with the mom, I was able to confidently say, that while this may feel like a loss right now (and it is in its own way) it will actually be an important part of her story-- its not an accident that she'll be short, and it's not a hindrance to the life that she'll be called to--rather it will be a foundation. Nothing we go through is wasted. Your experiences are purposed for your life--and to impact those around you. Even if it takes 17 years to see it.