JEJU

Photo Diary May 26th - May 29th

Traveling always provides the richest space for reflection because there is, to a certain degree, the absence of grownup realities. And in duration, the novel scents of sea water and ocean views blur out the messiness and/or the weight of real human life. I don't know if that's a cop-out to adulthood... but Jeju was dreamy in that regard. The weekend felt rich and full as I ventured out with absolutely no plans at all, except for — of course — good food, nice drives in our mint Kia (yass), and unfeigned quality time with a friend.

What I know about myself that I didn't know before this trip is, I am driven by trying to understand, in earnest: What makes human life meaningful? The grandeur of the sea is often the greatest trigger to this question. In Jeju, I stood face to face with the waters on countless occasions, and each time I could pat down the idea that life's virtue certainly has something to do with the depth of our relationships. And as such, for me, I recognized that connection has undergirded the richness and significance that I sense so strongly these days in my late twenties. Adulthood is more often than not an arm and a leg, but it is the opportunities of getaways like these that allow us to be adult and childlike simultaneously. It was perfect.

And I leave you with this: 

"Because children have abounding vitality, because they are in spirit fierce and free therefore they want things repeated and unchanged. They always say, 'Do it again'; and the grown-up people are not strong enough to exult in monotony. But perhaps God is strong enough to exult in monotony. It is possible that God says every morning, 'Do it again' to the sun; and every evening, 'Do it again' to the moon. It may not be automatic necessity that makes all daisies alike; it may be that God makes every daisy separately, but has never got tired of making them. It may be that He has the eternal appetite of infancy; for we have sinned and grown old, and our Father is younger than we." -GK Chesterton

MAY

May was odd, congenial, and very short-lived. Aside from the obvious benefits of the pre-summer delights, I've entered the month of June feeling a little cheated because May came and fled too soon. In the past week or two, I've unknowingly meandered down a twilight zone where I have been living by day-to-day instincts. What's right? What's wise? What's best? It is by grace alone because I have unwittingly chucked my life manual out the window this month. Grace — it's been the hefty theme this season, and my goodness life takes you on some detours.

I think that's besides the point though. When I look back in my journal, a lot has happened. Nothing I had planned for, obviously. Last month, I had planned to follow through on a series of media projects, yet youtube never made it out of my camera, and blogposts never have been released. If not within a time frame of inspirational propulsion, ideas pass and remain in draft history...forever. On the flip side, a ton of unexpected things came my way — namely friendships, traveling (Jeju!), and some farfetched surprises. I'm currently in a spin as to how I've ended up here, but here I am, dazed, tad disoriented, yet excited.

If anything, last month I've recognized the depth to which I treasure my relationships. Community is foundational. I'm thankful for the people who have been planted alongside me here, in Seoul. I've been absorbing, working on things to the point of having to mentally recalibrate what is normal — or at least trying not to be so judgmental towards what I don't know. (Sorry for being vague) And in the process, I have people who challenge me, love me, and ask me questions to keep me accountable, sane, and always laughing... always.

Anyways, I get a hunch of a hunch that summer is going to be amazing. Even life changing perhaps. Keep your eyes open and hearts ready, step out and lets make it wild.