exhaustion

these past few weeks have been filled.  the culmination of classes, the start of new research, the marriage of friends, the anniversary of events now turned to distant memories, the preparation for a maiden voyage to costa rica, and most recently, the welcoming of my nephew - Ethan Taylor. my life has become a whirlwind, though i am grateful for the happiness that i am so honored to be a part of. i do not think i express often enough my gratitude for the opportunity to share in someone else's joy, for i am truly grateful. 

after watching my sister labor for roughly 12 hours, it has crossed my mind that events of our lives that bring glowing happiness may also leave us utterly and completely exhausted. i have so many things to be grateful for these past several months - yet i do not deny that i am also unbelievably tired. i contend: perhaps exhaustion is not a sign of weakness (i dare say no one could characterize a woman that just gave birth as "weak"), but rather, perhaps it is a sign of experiencing something(s) really, really wonderful. 

from such a perspective, i am very very tired, but i am equally  very very happy, and very very grateful.