Stealing a breath and snapping a picture while running.
We chased the sunset today.
On our way to a coffee shop, Danielle suddenly looked behind us, saw the sky, and stopped. And we ran — down beaten streets, past flashing cars — in shoes that we shouldn't have been running in, backpacks flying, hair streaking behind us.
“I don’t want to run,” I panted at first.
“Too bad! We’re gonna miss it!” she sang back at me.
We ran until we reached the edge of Astoria so that we could get a clear view of the sky...and caught the sunset in time! We sat on a small beach and watched the city swim in color and darkness and light. We prayed, thanking God for this surprise. We prayed for the city to see this beauty and find rest. We prayed for His kingdom to come.
And I have to say--I'm so thankful for a friend who encourages me to pay attention and invite interruption. No work was accomplished today, but the Lord was clearly impressing upon me the lesson I've been struggling to learn since moving here: Will I be so occupied with what I'm doing or not doing that I ignore His grace?
I am worried about many things, but His love can never be taken away. Pursuing His presence is the better choice — the laughter-filled, exhilarating, abundant choice.
The final view was so, so worth it.