John Prine was correct, “It is a big old goofy world.” As I reflect on the last two, my thoughts are dominated by experiences with the people of this big old goofy world.
Yesterday two women celebrated birthdays. These women have been positive models and steadfast, wise, kind, encouraging friends to me. All I can think is how deeply grateful I am that we ended up in the same place at the same time so that we could build our friendship. They have both made my world better by showing me truth, challenging me, laughing with me, and crying with me. They have shown themselves to be some of those strong and brave people I wrote of in my last post. With their hearts tuned in to others and their focus on God, they make this world a brighter, more joyful place. Friendships like these are to be cherished, nourished and treasured.
A run for groceries also meant quality time spent with my daughter, one on one time just to talk and enjoy each other. Parenting is, in my opinion, the hardest task I have ever faced. After the What to Expect books run out, and they run out early, there is no book to tell you what to expect, what is serious and what can be let go, how to make decisions that are in their best interest when the options all seem so hard, or how to cope with their pain when you would give your whole heart to make it go away. It is hard to be a parent. It is also beautiful and wonderful and precious. We talked about groceries, school supplies, senior road trips, and roller coasters ridden with family. None of it will change the world, but that time together made our worlds feel more connected, more hopeful, and more doable. What a privilege it is to be a mom to these two incredible kids.
On that same trip, we ran into family friends whom we had not seen in far too long. In the middle of the grocery store we were able to hug each other, catch up on all the things, and laugh together. Even though those friendships deserved to be tended to – life happened. Still, there was much joy in reconnecting, in hearing about each other’s lives, and in being able to share the good in both families world’s. My heart felt lighter and far more full having had that encounter with such gracious and kind friends.
Not long after that, I noticed a former student. Seeing as he is now in middle school, I didn’t expect to be acknowledged. Instead however, he smiled and hugged me and said he was doing well. He was a great kid four years ago and he is clearly a great kid now. What a blessing to be able to teach and build relationships with these smart, witty, determined, and thoughtful kids. I am given that chance year after year and I am continually stunned that I get to do it.
Upon coming home, I checked Facebook because it’s just a whole thing. I saw a picture of women that I love, gathered together with huge smiles on their faces. Their comments on the picture talked of the laughs, the fun, and the friendships. Ironically, all of which were originally formed through a Facebook group. I looked at these women, some of whom I have met, others whom I have not, and thought how wild and crazy it is that we have formed such friendships and every single chance we get, we gather together because life has to happen outside of a computer screen too.
Scrolling a little farther down, I saw a video that had been made for a young woman on her birthday. The video showed picture after picture of her smiling, laughing, enjoying times with family, friends, and her fur babies. Each picture was a reminder of how she comes at life with humor and a fierce determination to accomplish her goals. Right now she is using that determination to win a battle I can’t fathom. Her goals right now are all focused on fully recovering from a horrific accident. Just trust me on this, it will happen. She has a spirit that will overcome and a team of people who love and support her.
Today as I begged and pleaded for people to spend money, they did. I believe they will love their products, but it wasn’t about the jewelry, or the bags, or the home decor. It was about sending the message that every human on this earth deserves to be treated with the same kindness and respect we give those love. Loudly and clearly it said that they are willing to work together to change the life of a woman in Uganda and the baby that will now be born safely. With each purchase I was giddy because watching people take care of other people is the stuff that brings lasting joy and contentment. Thank you to all of you who helped by buying, by sharing the message, and by praying.
It is a big old goofy world and sometimes we can all be big old goofy people. More than that though we can be people who have a positive impact on others and on this world. We can be people who are kind even when it is undeserved. We can be people who love far more than we hate. We can laugh together, sing together, dance together, and pray together. Lebron James just built a public school for at risk kids that will make a phenomenal impact on the lives of countless people. While we can’t all provide bikes for every kid in a school, or provide tuition for hundreds of kids to go to college, we can keep trying to be our best selves, keep trying to make a difference in any way possible, and most importantly, we be can kind to each other. We can be, and we often are, people who make this world a better place on which to live.
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