nuanced tastebuds.

i've been blessed to have chanced upon talented individuals whose penned thoughts tantalise my verbal tastebuds. they write so beautifully, often with great truth, sharing truthful snippets of daily life that are so often laced with humour that i am both touched, and tickled, all in one sitting. it's comforting to know that it's not all just trash out there.

this was one of the gems that resonated really strongly, in one of the materials i read:

Bittersweet is the idea that in all things there is both something broken and something beautiful, that there is a sliver of lightness on even the darkest of nights, a shadow of hope in every heartbreak, and that rejoicing is no less rich when it contains a splinter of sadness. 

Bittersweet is the practice of believing that we really do need both the bitter and the sweet, and that a life of nothing but sweetness rots both your teeth and your soul. 

Bitter is what makes us strong, what forces us to push through, what helps us earn the lines on our faces and the calluses on our hands. Sweet is nice enough, but bittersweet is beautiful, nuanced, full of depth and complexity. Bittersweet is courageous, gutsy, earthy. 

when life is sweet, say thank you and celebrate. And when life is bitter, say thank you and grow.

- Shauna Niequist

such poignant words. so befitting for the month leading up to the final quarter of the year. it's september.. the 9th month of the year.. a baby would have been formed and born.. an entirely new human being formed in the length of time which just seemed to whiz by in the flash. i know i just can't seem to stop reiterating about how time flies. i suppose it's evident i can't get over that fact. it just never ceases to puzzle me how the days pass.

all the more, this stresses the importance of this sole life we have. one that we too often keep so busy,  despite being vaguely aware about it's fleeting nature. we fill it with worldly burdens while forsaking heavenly peace. but this one life will soon be past, as does time in a blink of an eye.

Only One Life

C.T. Studd

Two little lines I heard one day, Traveling along life’s busy way;

Bringing conviction to my heart, And from my mind would not depart;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one, Soon will its fleeting hours be done;

Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet, And stand before His Judgement seat;

Only one life,’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, the still small voice, Gently pleads for a better choice

Bidding me selfish aims to leave, And to God’s holy will to cleave;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, a few brief years, Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;

Each with its clays I must fulfill, living for self or in His will;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

When this bright world would tempt me sore, When Satan would a victory score;

When self would seek to have its way, Then help me Lord with joy to say;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Give me Father, a purpose deep, In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;

Faithful and true what e’er the strife, Pleasing Thee in my daily life;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Oh let my love with fervour burn, And from the world now let me turn;

Living for Thee, and Thee alone, Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one, Now let me say,”Thy will be done”;

And when at last I’ll hear the call, I know I’ll say “twas worth it all”;
Only one life,’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

appreciate the bittersweet.

appreciate your tastebuds.