Today’s micro episode is about spring and cold sores and the opportunity we have to be more present and more appreciative as things change. Life is full of contrasts and even when we don’t always anticipate or welcome them, they teach us and can help us focus on what’s most essential and important.

Honestly, two more days and this would have come together better—but remember that episode on perfectly imperfect? Here we go again. I’m off to Utah later this week, so I’ve been primarily focused on preparations for that trip. I’m filming a Story by Stacy class about documenting this pandemic and I’m so grateful for this assignment at this time, because as I’ve looked back and remembered I’m more aware of the subtle ways that life is moving to a new normal and I don’t want to miss it. I don’t want this experience to escape my personal examination—I want to make sense of a few more things in my own head and that requires paying attention to and exploring to understand the many contrasts we’ve been a part of over the last 12 months.

I walk away from my first-ever pandemic not with just facts and stories, but also with some wisdom. And I know from scripture that kind of progression requires contrast (or opposition).

Contrast improves art and it enhances life.

❤️ A huge shout out and Story Starter goes out to Olivia Sharp for sending my a SpeakPipe. I’m grateful for Close To My Heart who sponsors me in this way!