Ritual on the Island

After spending a week in Miami and a few days in Lakeland, I'm back in St. Augustine. I pulled up to the house just as the sun was beginning to set and found myself strangely peppy. I've been sick and traveling, and haven't run for a while. I just don't get how my body works sometimes. Whether it was the rest or the socialization or the tremendous amounts of food I've been eating, I do not know, but I ran quickly and steadily to and along the beach. Almost 4 and a half miles later I hadn't stopped to rest. It was my finest run in St. Augustine yet. And although I don't plan on being here long, I'll be here long enough to make the best of it. This felt like the start I needed. I felt like the beach and the sky finally accepted my presence on the island, as if I had passed some initiation ritual of the spirit. I've been having trouble finding good running music, but today I ran to beautiful and serene albums - Live recordings of The Album Leaf, Sigur Ros, Arcade Fire, and some String Quartet covers. Not the most inspirational music for a fast-paced run, but great for a clear mind and high spirits.

I had a great weekend. Absolutely great. I'm learning to appreciate the gifts that are placed in our lives - no matter the length of time they might be there. I'm learning how to be the kind of man my friend John was - the kind of man that's driven by something holy.

Holy. I read this last year at John's Funeral.

But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.
(Gal 5:22-23 - The Message)