Rediscovering Hope Through the Lens of Suffering
Last night I had a good ol cry.
It was imminent. I had been on the verge for months.
I could feel it welling up inside me- this building, aching, heaviness.
Though I didn’t know exactly why, or for what.
Ever been there??
Last week my kids’ school hosted a family movie night, showing the movie, Wonder.
If you’re not yet familiar with this movie, I cannot recommend it enough.
Wonder is a movie that follows the life of a fifth grade boy, born with a craniofacial difference, who attends a public school for the first time. It is an inspiring movie with a heart-warming message about acceptance, kindness and friendship.
Between the most recent school shooting in Florida, and the new release of the movie Wonder, it has sparked several healthy discussions with my kids about the importance of kindness.
I think it’s safe to say that our world could use a little more kindness. Don’t you?
Our world could use a little more kindness. #truth #bekind #chooselove #teachcompassion Share on X
I was both horrified and heartbroken to hear of yet another school shooting at a high school this past week. Along with the rest of the world.
Now, days later, I still can’t seem to put my thoughts to rest. My heart aches for the families of those that so tragically lost their lives on that fateful day. Suddenly. Instantly. Unexpectedly.
Lives shattered in an instant. Without warning. Here one day- gone the next. Forever.
My thoughts immediately turned toward my own children who, for the first time, are all attending a public school themselves this year. And I question, “did we make the right decision to not homeschool?”
I admit- my immediate response is fear. I have a sudden urge to want to pull my kids out of school, and keep them sheltered under the protection of our home, where I can keep close watch over them.
Where they are shielded from the violence that much-too-often penetrates our schools.
Where I can ensure that they will be kept safe from harm.
You did it! You managed to walk down the aisle to the man of your dreams, and say “I do” before a crowd of starry-eyed onlookers.
You cried your way through the ceremony, danced your way through the reception, laughed your way through the best man speech, and fumbled your way through the consummation.
You awoke the following morning gazing fondly upon the face you would wake up next to for the rest of your life.
Life could not be more perfect…
And then the honeymoon ended.
Literally– the guests return home, the clean-up ensues, and you settle into your new routine with the love of your life. Work, bills, house duties, penny-pinching etc. Mundane, everyday life.
And you suddenly become aware of some things about this love of your life, that you may not have noticed before.
He has quirks- habits- flaws that drive you crazy!
Maybe he:
(Not that I know anything about these). 😉
A few years down the road, you might add a couple of kids into the equation, and you’ve instantly got yourself a whole new set of challenges! But it doesn’t stop there.
Those babies soon become toddlers, who become teenagers, who become adults who move out (eventually) and start lives of their own, and you’re left gazing upon the face that you’ve vowed to love and to serve for the whole of your life, and you wonder, “What now?”
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