We’re no longer allowed to do it at the airports — run to the gate with open arms to greet the new arrivals. But thankfully, there’s nothing to stop us in our daily lives. And why on earth would we want to reserve it for just random visits, when we could do it on a Thursday?!

Yesterday, I was gifted, twice, with such a greeting! Wondering how we would find him in the crowd, my thoughts were quickly erased by his run across the parking lot. Those few seconds of someone racing to get to you, of someone saying with the speed of their feet that “I just can’t wait a moment longer,” with arms open as wide as toothy smiles — these moments are timeless, priceless, and endless. And there was no need for the airport, we both knew of our journey, how lucky we were to begin together, and how lucky we were to begin again. 

Joy, never one to be contained, came running on the next footsteps, and I saw her racing across the parking lot straight into my embrace. 

Loaded with these weightless gifts, we went to our next destination. Her years wouldn’t allow the run, but I could feel her racing just the same, as I was running to her. All gifts are meant to be shared. 

I don’t want to live frantically, that’s not what I mean, but I never want to live timidly. I want to be bold in gesture. In living. In loving. Whether I’m racing toward or welcoming in, I want to be of open mind and open heart. Joy will lead the way.