Perspective, the Hard Way

At first blush it’s hard to see the beauty in this picture. And that’s ok if you miss it. I did too, the first time I looked at it. You’re just looking at it wrong. You’re looking at it as a 2-dimensional picture. 

I’m looking at it with a perspective of time.... even if only of a few days or so.... a story..... a non-static journey.

I see family. Us huddled up in the kitchen in the far left corner of the house the night of the storm, with the boys and dogs, hoping and praying we were going to survive. To be ok. (And we did. And we are.)

I see love for thy fellow neighbor. In the outpouring of grief for the most impacted of our neighbors who have completely lost their homes, but who are moving on already now, resolute. 

I see hope. The work crews of all various trades, bringing not only expertise, skill and labor, but also emotional support by merely their presence. They are bringing their best to bear, on our humble behalf.... It’s as if they are saying “Get up. We are here.”

I see raw beauty. The ravaged/mangled trees that survived too. Beautiful in their own right. A testament to our collective experience.

I see grace. As you walk the neighborhood after the storm with neighbors or family, it is inconceivable really, that we all survived. It is unimaginable, and yet not so, because we are here. Every last one of us. 

Even the child spared by the grace of God as mom let them stay up just “5 more minutes,” and not be where the tornado devastated the upstairs portion of their home.

Heaven help us all.

You see it now, don’t you?.... in the picture?

I love our neighborhood even more.

It is our home. It is our family. 

Only through times of pressure do we grow and learn (and re-learn) what is important. 

Maybe now when you look back up at the photo, can you see what I see.  Love. Grace. Beauty. Compassion. Family. Community. 

What a beautiful neighborhood we live in.

Maybe someday you’ll join us.