Tuesday, December 26, 2017

So Far from Perfect

Every once in a while I scroll through my Facebook feed and I look back on old posts and I can’t help but smile seeing some of my past adventures and accomplishments. I truly am blessed. But it is not the whole story. In fact, it’s a fairly distorted one. I am so far from perfect it’s quite numbing sometimes. Don’t believe me? Just ask my wife.

Rarely do I ever post about my failures and frustrations which are simply too numerous to recall. Troubles are always lurking just below the surface... financial, professional, moral, health, teenage boys... you name it, I suffered, and will continue to suffer, through it until the day I die. And you know what? I welcome it. 

Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that I am wanting to struggle but I realize I am human and it is a constant part of our life. It is what makes us stronger. In actuality, a truly strong person is not someone who stands tall in times of plenty but someone who pulls it together and holds firm in times of famine and weakness, so these trials and tribulations serve a great purpose.



Anyway, I heard a story over the weekend that really hit home and put this whole “life” situation in perspective. Someone recounted how they were going through a severe bout of depression and during their struggle they drove to the top of Sandia Crest. As they gazed upon a seemingly bleak and brown landscape below, they noticed a thin thread of brilliant greenery and color in the valley below. This, of course, was the Rio Grande River in all it’s glory. And then it dawned on him that that beautiful and brilliant “oasis” was the lowest point in the valley. Oh the irony.

Sometimes it takes those low points in life for us to see the beauty that is not only before us but within us. Remember, holidays are quite often very difficult times for many people and they are often seen as low points in someone’s life. Here’s to hoping each and everyone of you find the beauty and your strength within.