Sunshine

“Stories hold moments sacred and imprint them on our minds and hearts—they serve as reminders that we have lived. It is those lived moments that offer opportunities and choices for not only how we want to be remembered but how we want to live each day.” 

Well Moments by Ashley N. Thomas

My family has spent a lot of time at the lake this summer. It’s a peaceful getaway that leaves space for fun in the sun all day long. My kids love being in the water, and I love being right there to soak up every giggle, high five for jumping off the dock, and sand castle. It’s a momentary transport to where life is simpler. There’s permission to let go of the regular to-do’s and just have fun. 

This last time my son’s desire to be brave - landed him on my lap on a tube behind the jet ski his dad was driving. I love tubing, Jed was still unsure, and as we began to pull off he stated, “Taylor, do not go fast”. I laughed, and then said, “daddy”, while Taylor muttered something like “OK, mini Ashley”. 

We pulled out into the water, and I looked down at Jed. His face wasn’t showing much emotion (another characteristic he gets from me), and I asked if he was having fun, to which his big, beautiful brown eyes looked up at me and said “yes mama”. We continued to go around the lake, and the jet ski picked up speed too. Soon I felt his two little hands wrap under my legs, and heard the most pure giggle, as he proclaimed, “hold me mama, Jed’s going fast”. I wrapped my arm around him, and leaned in. As I did, tears welled up in my eyes. It hit me, this, this simple moment is what I prayed for. A small life that not only trusts me, but wants to be close to his mama and do something fun. There wasn’t a single other thought going through my brain at that moment, then my sweet Jed. It was a gift. 

I felt alive at that moment. I was aware of my own life, and the life I helped create…enjoying our Creator’s great creation. I could taste and see His goodness, and it wrecked me in the best way. 

I haven’t always been able to articulate just what it is that I experienced the first time, and continue to experience each time I walk through Hope Street’s doors - but I think it’s something like being on the tube with Jedidiah. 

At times life feels like someone else is pulling the string, and I have to put my trust in someone bigger than myself, and when I do - I too can experience the joy of being cared for, seen, loved, and in the presence of an ever present Father. That’s what Hope Street invites people into. A safe space, where we can rest in our belovedness, and trust in His good plan for us. 

In the first chapter of Well Moments, I share about my first well moment. One that includes a woman I fondly referred to as Sunshine. Sunshine’s first words to me “thanks for coming” was a reminder that someone noticed I was there, but even more than that it was a sweet invitation to continue to show up. As I did I realized the draw was the opportunity to be present. To let go of my desire to be consumed by outside worries and agendas. To be in a basement classroom on 26th and capitol with people who in many ways were fighting for their life, and finding it all at once. Here is where I get a glimpse of what He has for us, and now that I have it - I want everyone to experience the same. 

So how I live each day is holding the necessary tension of all that needs to get done while basking in the Sonshine that comes through relationships. 

You can listen to the podcast on this chapter here, and to read Sunshine’s story you can purchase Well Moments here. Enjoy this story? Would you consider sharing it with a friend?