Rockwell-esque. In hindsight, I realize that should have been the name of my blog. It struck me after visiting the exhibit, “Rockwell’s America” at the Ohio Historical Society recently. (Sublime nostalgia.)As you enter Rockwell’s “studio” you notice his framed quote: “I paint the world as I would like it to be.” I realized that’s what I do, too. Only with words (and much less skill). Some blog entries almost write themselves … those seemingly perfect family potlucks at Strawberry Hill farm, adventures with the kids to festivals unknown, etc. But others take more time to think through before I write because I need to find something positive in what is sometimes a bleak situation. (Bleak won out in the last post, in case you didn’t notice.) Lately, positive has been much more elusive.
Lately, I’ve been facing some challenges that have driven me to depression, (temporary) loss of faith in mankind and (sometimes) such anger that I can’t find a way to express it—other than tears and spite. (That may offer some explanation for those long periods between posts.)
That being said, I believe that there’s already enough crap, bad news, sin and selfishness in the world. No one wants to read or hear about how crappy someone feels or the contempt they feel towards another human being. Nor does anyone want to listen (or read) about someone feeling sorry for herself. I mean, we’re all just doing the best we can to survive—right?
I think the biggest challenge for each of us is to avoid getting too wrapped up in our own egos and to continually try to reach out to someone else. The BIG lesson is all about serving each other. On those rare occasions when we’re able to do that, I imagine God sitting back in his big 'ole easy chair, nodding his head slowly and and thinking, “Now he/she’s getting the idea.” (Although I’m sure he never rests for long.)
So that’s what I’m striving for … especially this Advent season. The reaching out. I made a commitment to myself (and to God) to try to keep this little cyber world of mine positive (or at least reflective) and based in gratitude. Because, really, when everything else is boiled off—what is left is an amazing, incredible and rich gift of life.
