Fresh bread always touches my soul, especially when it is a sourdough. I cut the loaf, filled with hope, optimism, and thankfulness. What was in front of me was so much more than its parts. It was the work and gift of another combined with ingredients that, when combined, expressed so much more than themselves. It was fun to anticipate and then experience the simplicity and wonder in this loaf. I reflected on the elements of my life that, combined with my heart and soul, form the foundation of living life to the maximum.
Trust is at the heart of life and living. It can be challenging to build and maintain. It is easily destroyed. At its core, trust is a heart-thread, linking every positive relationship I have. It has been described that “The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see.” (Hebrews 11.1). If it is to grow, care and attention is required.
Activity is always part of life and living. Absence will not build trust or relationships. In being connected in words and action, one nurtures and strengthens the threads that bind us. It can be a call to hear another’s voice, a lunch where we share our hearts’ views while breaking bread or walking together. With each encounter, I experience the face and soul of another as we take a step together. This is where living to the maximum is found and celebrated. It begins with the seed of trust and grows with care and attention.
Growth and change are essential elements in the seasons of life and living. It is easy to get stuck celebrating yesterday and squander today. Celebrations can be part of moving forward with hope, confidence, and courage. In embracing yesterday’s lessons, I open myself up to a new meadow of possibilities. It is where I stand tall and raise my hands, celebrating the moment at hand and the opportunity it represents.Trust restores and creates.
