I learned about injustice in elementary school. Jumping out of my swing – I left the playground in the middle of recess to use the restroom. A girl from my class was already in there – she was skipping recess. Who skips RECESS? I was stunned when she offered me the cigarette she was smoking. I casually declined – trying to be cool, I said something like, “no thanks, I just smoked a full pack this morning.”
There are two sets of things we as parents keep for our children. First, the items that actually belong to them, the items we have been storing.
Then there are the things that we hope they will find some sentimental value to be handed down to their children. Like the handmade quilt from great grandma that was our wedding gift.
With all the downsizing going on and so many are trying to become minimalist, this seems to be a common problem.
On Christmas Eve, while you were gathered around your family and friends – we were on a train. We were coming home from visiting family.
While listening to the rhythm of the steel wheels on the ribbons of track, we watched the lights of the city disappear behind us, thoughts of the Christmas Eve travelers filled my head.
We watched them relive the emotional experience of how he thought he had lost her – he would choke back his tears as he told her, “I am so sorry.”
Long ago in a little Missouri town lived the most beautiful couple we have ever known.
They had just celebrated 50 years together when our young family of 4 moved into the modest, 100 year old farmhouse across the street from their cattle ranch.
At some point I learned to give up the pursuit of perfection. Now, I am finding the beauty of imperfections. We all hope that others will learn to embrace our own imperfections.
The Holiday’s are not always perfect. There are loved ones who are missed, and the annual game of Spades that becomes the friendly holiday Beat Down! Life is not perfection.