always make room for love

i am blessed with a long list

of people who have come in and out of my life

and i have loved them all.

i can say that without the slightest hesitation

because i am a believer and a practicer

of big love.

love that swoops in sudden and fierce

and takes over my heart

and causes it to stretch and get bigger.

love that compells me to

try to make a difference in each life i encounter.

i appreciate

 that i am at a place in my life

where i can trust

the process of letting go.

releasing those that need to leave me

in order for more love to happen.

this has not come easy

and at the end of today when i say

my final goodbyes to two dear souls

there will be heartache and tears

but it is easier than in the past.

it is easier than i thought it would be

even a month ago -

growth is happening.

i know that each time i risk loving someone

so fully and so completely

my life will become more abundant and blessed

i have and continue to learn and be gifted from

each love encounter i undertake.

but it is a risk.

every time.

there is great pain that comes with this practice of big love.

too many goodbyes it seems

and sometimes alot of heartache and

disappointment, sleepless nights, sacrifices,

tears and grief.

but the gifts always outweigh the sorrow

my heart is so much bigger than it was two years ago

filled to overflowing with

daily, consistent instances of love given and love returned

(today we danced with childlike abandon in the kitchen together)

each person- little and big

that has been a part of my life

has taught me more about love than i thought possible.

i hold them, i hold you

in my heart.

and i say goodbye to my dear madison and tejan

and send them on their way to become

brave.strong and true.

.