Due to the recent events happening with both my family and hometown, I feel that I should get some of my thoughts onto "paper." It's hard when most of what you hear from home is tragic. It's hard not to focus on those things and the fact that I wish I weren't so far away. But, despite all of the tragedy and sadness that has crowded our lives recently, I am so blessed with wonderful, supportive people. People who don't ask questions, but just let me know that they are there. People who go out of their way to support my family without being asked to. People that really know what it means to be a friend and a good person. It's also such a blessing to see people reaching out to fellow citizens as complete strangers, but with honest concern and compassion. It's so good to see that people are still sensitive to others' pain and want to help them.
Although it is disheartening, I am also thankful for the sadness that has been brought to our attention as a community. I don't mean that to sound disrespectful, but it is times like these that smack you in the face with important realizations. Although you never think that things will happen to you or to others you once knew, when they DO happen, you all of the sudden realize how blessed you are. You are lucky to be in the position you are personally, to be alive and well. And that you should live everyday with that in mind. This life truly is short.
You also realize that you are lucky to still have those people in your life that you care so much for, but are struggling in their lives. They may be on a crooked path and one that you don't agree with, but they still have the breath in their lungs and still have time to straighten out that tangled path. It makes you want to make sure, that they know how much you love them and how much you are here for them. I have those to thank that have been great supportive examples to me, that I can in turn show this kind of compassion to others in my life.
I pray that myself, as others, can be compassionate and loving toward one another. That we can be stronger as neighbors, friends and family, that we might be able to get through anything. I know that those that have been lost, those that are struggling and those that are suffering are being looked after by a loving God and that with his help and guidance we can be comforted and guided.
Powerful post! Unfortunately, as we have kids and grow our own families, we will experience a different kind of pain and sadness when our own children choose for themselves. That is the blessing of agency. I am grateful for it, but boy it drives me craaaazy when people i love decided "for themselves" but really it hurts everyone around them too.
ReplyDeleteJules, seriously can't wait to see you guys at Christmas!