We’ve been enjoying the incredible stretches of fall weather here in Texas. I was especially enjoying it yesterday I was driving home from dropping the boys off at school, in the jeep, with the top off. I was relishing in the feeling of the morning air on my face and wind in my hair, with lively music playing from my speakers, when suddenly a blaring horn was screeching in my head. It was so loud, and when I looked, it was on the other side of the road, going the other way.
But it sounded like it was in my passenger seat!
Then I had this thought, “That’s the price I pay for being open.” Having the top off the jeep is certainly a wonderful, fun luxury on beautiful days. There’s really nothing like it. Nothing can compare to how alive and free you feel when that top is open.
But nothing good comes free.
You feel the elements more. The wind, the sun, loud & sometimes the rain make direct contact with your skin. You hear everything a little louder, especially those blaring horns. You have to stay aware of the forecast, or else you might have to put the top on, in the rain, outside your kid’s school, after a nice, wet commute. (Not that that’s ever happened)
You have to pay more attention and be more engaged.
But at the end of the day, if you have a wild love of fun and nature, it’s all totally worth it.
That’s what human connection is like too.
If you want all the perks of community, there’s a price to pay. It’s vulnerability. And it requires a little more from you. It requires you to pay more attention. It means you’ll have to show up, and sometimes feel a little exposed. It means you’ll feel things more deeply. You might feel like the world is making direct contact with your skin and all your senses. and it’s worth it.
You were made for it.
Your soul was made to share authentic connection in trusted community. Just like nothing compares to the freedom of riding in the jeep, with the top, off on a beautiful fall day, nothing compares to the freedom of being known and loved exactly as you are.
Of course it’s risky and requires more effort.
It’s also completely worth it.
to more love,
Crystal
