Life is Beautiful.

Recently I adventured into my parents’ basement in search of childhood photos. I was belatedly collecting them for a slideshow to exhibit in a remote corner at my wedding reception. I was determined that all guests should decide for themselves if they wanted to see how “cute” Tim and I were as children, to gaze upon my mom’s 80’s perm, her Huge eye-glasses, and Dad’s mutton chops, or discover for themselves my foray into the world of dance recitals and musical theater. While very cute in concept, too often these slideshows are too long or boring, and I felt like it was best to give the opt-out option on this one. Surely someone out there is grateful for that decision.

But for me personally, as I sat on the floor that day surrounded by 20+ years of Christmas’, birthdays, and camping trips, I began to understand why these shows get too long. These images were precious windows into a lifetime of both significant and seemingly insignificant moments that I had underestimated the power of when seen woven all together. To my regret I am not sure I fully appreciated those moments then or now. But truly the compilation of those real Life moments displayed together was Captivating. Even Beautiful. I was struck by the impact of these photos on my "sentimental button" and was reminded that Simply put: Life is Beautiful. All of it. Unfortunately, I am guilty of forgetting this or at the very least I am guilty of disregarding it in favor of focusing on all that is "so hard." Because let’s be honest, life is no walk in the park. But I am hopeful that some of these life lessons will stick with me and that with each moment I am Slowly Catching On that Life is Captivating and Beautiful and meant to be rejoiced in.