I have been pondering upon the things that I have heard, seen, and felt over the past several months, weeks, and specifically during the past few days. My sleep has been interrupted by images that have plastered social media and the news. My mind has been troubled and my heart is breaking.
In the midst of hatred and unrest, I have been blessed to see goodness as well. Yesterday morning I woke to the birth of a new life; our goats introducing their first offspring. This sweet new life brought joy to our family as each of us, in our own way, welcomed him to the world.
I woke this morning with hope in my heart and had a moment of clarity upon which I understood that we cannot appreciate the beauty until we have experienced the ugly.
When speaking about sharing a story, J.R.R.Tolkein stated: “Joy can tell us much about sorrow, and light about dark but not the other way about. A little joy can often tell more about grief and tragedy than a whole book of unrelieved gloom”.
Yesterday, I shared some of my thoughts and feelings about the current events, stating:
For the past two years, I have avoided the news and have only sought out information as needed. With the current crises of COVID19 and the recent unrest in many cities, we have watched the news for the past couple of evenings. I am deeply saddened by what I see (hence the reason for not watching the news). I am disappointed in humankind and the disrespect so many have for others. Today, one of my Facebook friends shared a video that has been viewed by thousands and as it played across my screen I was horrified that there are so many in this world and in this country that does not value life. I am so deeply affected by what I saw that I don't think I will be able to sleep easy tonight or any other night for a very long time. My heart is breaking.
During my morning routine, I came across a post I had written on Facebook on June 1, 2019:
In the midst of hatred and unrest, I have been blessed to see goodness as well. Yesterday morning I woke to the birth of a new life; our goats introducing their first offspring. This sweet new life brought joy to our family as each of us, in our own way, welcomed him to the world.
I woke this morning with hope in my heart and had a moment of clarity upon which I understood that we cannot appreciate the beauty until we have experienced the ugly.
When speaking about sharing a story, J.R.R.Tolkein stated: “Joy can tell us much about sorrow, and light about dark but not the other way about. A little joy can often tell more about grief and tragedy than a whole book of unrelieved gloom”.
Yesterday, I shared some of my thoughts and feelings about the current events, stating:
For the past two years, I have avoided the news and have only sought out information as needed. With the current crises of COVID19 and the recent unrest in many cities, we have watched the news for the past couple of evenings. I am deeply saddened by what I see (hence the reason for not watching the news). I am disappointed in humankind and the disrespect so many have for others. Today, one of my Facebook friends shared a video that has been viewed by thousands and as it played across my screen I was horrified that there are so many in this world and in this country that does not value life. I am so deeply affected by what I saw that I don't think I will be able to sleep easy tonight or any other night for a very long time. My heart is breaking.
During my morning routine, I came across a post I had written on Facebook on June 1, 2019:
I have had moments of clarity and moments of reflection this past week. In speaking with a new friend I have come to agree with her that God prepares us for new experiences, new friends, reunions, and mourning.
We come into this world completely pure and innocent. We are a brand new slate that will be used, marked up, and scarred. Each day the face of it is wiped clean for us to work out problems, list achievements, and share ideas.
Somewhere along the way, the chalk dust remains with atoms of memories that have shaped us into the people we become.
It's after pondering and reflection we realize that the pains, the heartaches, and failings have refined, shaped, and perfected that light that resides in each of us, and then we are set within a crown, claimed and saved by Him who has loved us through it all.
The friend I spoke of continues to post positive images and thoughts on her Facebook page and I appreciate her for that. As other friends continue to post the beautiful, good, and positive I am blessed and buoyed up. They continue to bring light into the dark; a Patronus Charm against the Dementors of the world.
