Over this weekend, I’ve had the privilege of celebrating the birthday of one of my dear friends, Fancy Pants. She planned what I like to call, a weekend so “infinite” in which she gathered a group of her closest friends to join her in a 5K marathon called, The Color Run in San Diego, California. The event’s slogan is “The Happiest 5k on the Planet”, and I can definitely vouch for that!

The Fast and the Fancy right before the marathon

The timing of my friend’s birthday get-away weekend was just what my soul needed. It was a beautiful reminder that life is fun when we’re all in it together. Despite our grueling schedule of compacting every crazy thing we could think of and being constantly on-the-go and even at one point of hilarity, walking all around the Gas Lamp District in 5 inch heels, my spirits soared just as high.

And even there in the midst of my “carpe diem” moment, I was struck by life’s two simple yet profound concepts:

1. Great relationships take intentionality – I read that once from a tweet by Rick Bezet and 100% agree with it now more than ever. We are relational creatures by nature. We cannot continue to live apathetic if we want to thrive in life. It simply does not work that way. And we cannot have meaningful relationships if we are complacent and unwilling to reach out. We live in an age where if we so much as choose, we can be connected with everyone at any given moment. It’s time we stopped wishing and waiting for the other person to call or make the first move, or offer an apology. Just go ahead and initiate a conversation, a hug, or even a simple “hello there” text. Being thoughtful isn’t some innate trait that is acquired genetically, it’s simply being intentional about every single thing you do.

2. Amazing people do not just happen – No matter where that phrase originated from there is an inherent truth to it. There’s a process they go through that shapes, molds, and refines them into becoming remarkable human beings. Oftentimes their stories tell a daunting obstacle they’ve had to overcome or even still have yet to overcome. Other times, there is a goodness within them that is inexplicable and quite comforting, though we may not fully know what goes on inside them, there is an ease with which they interact with others, and one encompassing character stands out among them, they are genuinely consistent. Amazing people do not just happen so don’t take them for granted.

After the race, looking very bright and colorful

This weekend really caused me to reflect and once again be thankful for the life I lead, the God I love, the people I’ve been blessed to do this life with and this amazing journey that keeps on refining me.

You’re here to be a light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. – Matthew 5:14 MSG

xoxo