bridge

And so life has become real for the first time,' he said to himself as he turned onto the road home. The mountains standing in the distance stood strong in agreement while the setting summer sun painted fields and cotton trees and antique farm houses with the warmest glow he'd seen in many, many years. 'Surely this is a moment to remember,' his mind continued, 'A moment that will change the future if you give it the freedom to do so. The freedom not to fear defeat or failure or time itself. To create a future full of stories, memories, friendships, and knowledge to learn from, and to share with those around you.

<< post | Main | symphony >> 11:01 PM by Rob

* * * *

I've noticed that if there's one thing that potentially sets me apart from most other people i know, it's the ability to recognize moments as they're forming, and to cherish and enjoy those moments to the fullest of my ability before they're gone. I can be driving home from work and see pieces falling into place.. a full moon with soft foggy clouds nearby, the road leading up to the suspension bridge. I feel the moment coming. The clouds move into position, the bridge supports and cables, quickly approaching to frame the image, glow in the dim orange light cast from the street lights. One or two cars speed past on the right and left, and lights from the industrial island sparkle in the background. SMACK there it is. The world stops. Physical existence becomes inconsequential. Even consciousness itself passes into the background as the imagery before my eyes burns directly into my soul and brings it to life. I am consumed in the moment. I am the moment.

* * * *

Normal.
Progress.
Fun.
Change.

Subjective.

* * * *

When he was young, he thought he was special. Special in the way only a handful of people in history have been. In other words, he had the same thoughts as almost everyone else has had at one point or another. He slowly grew older, and came to realize that he was no more or less special than any other human on earth. He was simply different. Unique. For better or worse, he would be an individual. It wasn't for a few more years that he began to realize that this is not something to be sad about, but rather a way to become a fully realized adult with talents, hobbies, interests, experiences, and a personality that seem to have no correlation to each other in any way. He wondered how he would ever find someone odd enough, intelligent enough, and attractive enough to be a reciprocal match. That is, until he realized he could find his match in simple interaction with others. Or by experiencing art, in any form it may take. Or by listening to the stories and memories of those he encounters, and sharing in their dreams. Becoming alive in their joy.

* * * *

Thank you for today. I smile, contemplating how it was we came to meet this warm afternoon, wondering if we'll ever have the chance to meet again. You may never know the impact you had; simply knowing there is at least one other on this rock who knows how to make use of his/her mind, has given me the comfort to trust humanity just a little bit more. The faith to believe others like you really do exist outside of my imagination.

* * * *

Pulling into the church parking lot, looking across the valley to Mt. Baker in the background.
Finishing a great book with time to sit and think about it.
Turning off the computer.
Sitting at a bus stop, listening to a pleasant chat strike up between strangers.
Enjoying the salty, cool air of a sunset at English Bay.
Falling asleep on the last workday of the week.

* * * *

He speaks through the wind, and the clouds; the rain, and the burning sunlight. His face is hidden in the waves of the ocean, and in the reflections of the city. He knows how best to communicate what He finally needs to say, and He knows that he's listening. And He knows that he's ready.