A Story of Receiving Love

Image inspired by the work of Brian Peterson

A long overdue trip to my post office box yesterday delivered all kinds of sweet surprises. I was overjoyed and grateful for the bounty that was waiting for me inside such a meager metal box. Notes of kindness and gifts of friendship. Sweet melodies and generous offerings. And The Blossoming of the World.

I poured over the stack of papers, devouring each word, holding each token, feeling the intentions of each sender. Smiling. Nodding. Heart full of gladness.

But, it wasn’t until late that night when I crawled into bed and opened this book that I was overtaken. Every page, written for me. Each word I needed to hear. Every image soulful, simple, stirring.  I took in just a small fraction of this offering, poignantly and poetically written by Brian H. Peterson intentionally, as not to take in too much at once. I wanted to savor every page and let the words swirl around me as I drifted to sleep. And I will do the same tonight. And the next…

This book will become a classic for me. I already know this to be true. Something I will cherish and depend on like an old friend. That’s already how this book feels to me.

This excerpt, from the very first page of Brian Peterson’s The Blossoming of the World, is all I need to share with you to leave you knowing exactly what I mean—

"Suddenly I was no longer looking at the mountains, the sky. I was looking at Love, embodied in the stuff of the world. Love was flowing out from every atom of creation. Love was everywhere, in everything. In me. But not contained, not limited to me, not limited in any way, just flowing, singing, vibrating, dancing, everywhere, in everything."

Share today your story of Love.

...........

And remember that with your comment comes the chance to win a very special September gift; a $100 gift certificate courtesy of Paper Coterie in honor of the Everyday Storytellers and our One Word Project this month; story.

Comments

[Marcie]

Love is everywhere these days. In the beauty of autumn color:
http://marciescudderstudios.squarespace.com/home/2011/9/16/beauty-queen.html
To the smallest of autumn's fading glories:
http://marciescudderstudios.squarespace.com/home/2011/9/17/high-light.html

[Debbie Ealer]

this is gorgeous,,im going to have to check that book out!! I love sending love in the mail. Sounds like you had a wonderful post day :D

[Jennifée]

My birthday is coming up next week, and never do I feel as strongly as around my birthday how extremely fortunate I am in that I have family and friends who love me.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jennifee/6153944818/

[Cheri]

Looks like I have another book to add to my wish list! Those words made my skin tingle!

[Michelle (Mamadunk)]

My mother passed away when my first born was just seven months old. I try and talk about "Nonni" as much as I can so that they know her through my memories and stories. This past August I took my mother's youngest sister ("Auntie Moe") on a little trip to Cape Cod with the kids and me for a few days. Her light blue eyes remind me so much of my mom...the things she says...the way she laughs. She loves my kids and they love spending time with her. It warms my heart that they experience a little bit of Nonni's love in Auntie Moe.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/29333822@N07/6158427591/

[LeAnne]

Last night I had the opportunity to attend a banquet in honor of the fallen heroes of our state. At these sort of events you will always hear quoted the verse from John 15:13 "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." Today's prompt and my experience last night resulted in the following image and blog post: http://photosbyleanne.blogspot.com/2011/09/greater-love-hath-no-man.html

[Ellie A]

I actually posted about love on my blog because time is precious and we have to hold on to those amazing moments tight
http://www.flickr.com/photos/17639235@N00/6159083692/

[chris]

I'm always looking for a good book - I'll check this one out!

[Kathy]

Always looking for books--it's now on my list. thanks for sharing.

[Junelle]

That is a delicious quote. Thank you for sharing something so yummy~

[Barbara]

When I think of love my first thought is my children. My heart fills with joy when I look at their little faces and see happiness and love flowing through them as they explore life, each in their own unique way. This picture of my son and his guinea pig was taken awhile ago, but to me it speaks of love between a boy and his pet.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/50654891@N07/5516880502/

[PHope]

I see love in my little nephew's eyes. This was taken yesterday when we had some quiet time together in the park:

http://petinahopephotography.wordpress.com/2011/09/18/saturday-cuteness/

[Roxanne]

What a lovely quote... and what a reminder not to simply give love, but also to remain open to receiving it. I have shared my story of love before in this space and it is very dear to me, as it is a photoessay of moments of love I have witnessed in different parts of the world, including some post-conflict zones:

http://www.storiesofconflictandlove.com/2010/12/learning-lessons-of-love.html

[ElaineM]

What a beautiful book. thanks for the intro.
It is now on my "to get" list.

Love your black and white photo in this post.

[leaca]

http://simplyblogged.blogspot.com/2011/09/embrace-change.html

Today I send my daughter off to college and I wrote a post about embracing this time in my life and trying to see the good in it. I love being a mother and I am so blessed to have my three kids. Now that they are gone it is now time for my husband I to embrace this change in our new life together.

[Mira]

I always look for a good book. This one could be my next book. Love? I am always in love! :)

[Bonnie]

wonderful quote and post.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bjakobsen-martin/5615695119/

[Mealybw1010]

Beautiful post. I feel a sense of overwhelming joy when I am able to capture glimpses of love for others....

http://www.flickr.com/photos/23758891@N05/5583721439/in/photostream

[Sherralee]

Thank you for the gift of this post. Thanks to Brian for the gift of his book. There is love in those things.

There is love in the light on dancing leaves. http://flic.kr/p/anKeJe

There is love in so many things. We have only to see it, share it and cherish it.

[joey]

Here is a sad love story...letting go of letters from a love that didn't work out. Just like the relationship, this picture didn't come out like I envisioned.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/19379573@N06/6160131685/in/photostream

[Peggy]

Thank you for sharing such a beautiful quote and post

[Em]

I love your description of "the bounty that was waiting for me inside such a meager metal box." I love mail and that so perfectly describes the experience of an extra special mail day.

[cheris]

First rain in months! http://www.flickr.com/photos/liffords/6160744621/in/photostream

[Colleen]

My love story today is one of taking care of myself. I got out for a walk along the river just me and my dog and a camera. All too often I get busy with the kids, my schooling and a million other things and I forget to get out and just enjoy some fresh air. Today I reminded myself why I love living in the Pacific Northwest with a simple walk.

[tarawohlford]

I love that grass shot! I would never think of taking a photo like that, but beauty really is everywhere. My love story...Jesus and my family!

[Diana Foster]

We should all be ready to receive everyday!

[tara on the wander]

ooooh, sounds like a must-read.

here's a little mama-baby love....
http://www.flickr.com/photos/impossibletask/6157210613/in/photostream/

[JEANNE]

I absolutely loved the rain today in Texas..... desperately needed, but even more had to share that it is such a joy to be able to capture the world around me through the eye of my camera lens. It has made such a difference in my live to have my love and passion for photography. wanted to share a couple of photos of this great rainy event today. http://www.flickr.com/photos/44639636@N07/6161842694/in/photostream

[Denise]

sometimes love appears in the simplest of ways, bokeh through the trees, catchlights in eyes and a smiling expression!

[Robin Troxell]

I know what it is to read a book and know its my own classic immediately - One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp was that for me most recently.

[Kat]

Thanks so much for this book recommendation Tracey! It went right on my wish list.

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