Sunday, September 16, 2012
Man's Greatest Pain
Man's greatest pain is not his own, but rather the helplessness he experiences when a loved one is in pain. For it is then that true pain is felt--that sense of futility, ineptness, and helplessness. If only man could bear the pain for that loved one; but he cannot. If only he could control or lessen the extent of that pain, however small, then that would be worth it all. But sometimes man cannot lessen the pain, and can only watch and suffer in pain with the one he loves. But that one action could be man's greatest gift to that loved one; for in that moment, he expresses love.
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Life Happens
There are events in our lives that forever change our perspectives--your
first love, going off to college, your first job, getting married, the birth of
your first child, the death of a parent, and many other events that are unique
to each individual. I experienced one such event earlier this summer--a work
layoff--and although I had been on the "laying off" side of the table
many times before, this was my first time on the "laid off" side of
the table.
It is difficult to put into words the thoughts, emotions, and psychological effects of such an event. Frankly, I would be too embarrassed to convey how I truly felt, and even my wife probably does not understand how deeply this event "rocked my world"; but looking back on it all, I can honestly say that I am better off having experienced such an event.
Do not misunderstand me, I feel for those who have been laid off and are still looking for work after many, many months. I was fortunate to find work after only a couple of months off; but for me, the layoff and the events that followed (unemployment, job searching, financial struggles, etc.) taught me that life is short, work is just work, family is important, faith is everything, and that no matter how much you might plan for it...life happens.
For many, their perspective (right or wrong) is reality; yet sometimes perspective needs adjusted, and reality remains...well...just reality. For me, the events of this summer more closely aligned my perspective with reality. Reality is that someone else at work can replace us. Reality is that money is not everything and that family and faith are what brings true happiness. Reality is that in just three short years my oldest son leaves for college. Reality is that I am not getting any younger; and reality is...life happens.
So give yourself a reality check, adjust your perspective, and embrace that life will never be the same...only better.
It is difficult to put into words the thoughts, emotions, and psychological effects of such an event. Frankly, I would be too embarrassed to convey how I truly felt, and even my wife probably does not understand how deeply this event "rocked my world"; but looking back on it all, I can honestly say that I am better off having experienced such an event.
Do not misunderstand me, I feel for those who have been laid off and are still looking for work after many, many months. I was fortunate to find work after only a couple of months off; but for me, the layoff and the events that followed (unemployment, job searching, financial struggles, etc.) taught me that life is short, work is just work, family is important, faith is everything, and that no matter how much you might plan for it...life happens.
For many, their perspective (right or wrong) is reality; yet sometimes perspective needs adjusted, and reality remains...well...just reality. For me, the events of this summer more closely aligned my perspective with reality. Reality is that someone else at work can replace us. Reality is that money is not everything and that family and faith are what brings true happiness. Reality is that in just three short years my oldest son leaves for college. Reality is that I am not getting any younger; and reality is...life happens.
So give yourself a reality check, adjust your perspective, and embrace that life will never be the same...only better.
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