Injustice 101

"My heart aches," she said.

In that moment I knew exactly what she meant. It's difficult to see people you care about in pain. Life is like that - it's just one pain after another. Each one contributes to molding your character and making you stronger... or so the wise men would have us believe.

How about this? How about one month, just thirty days, with no drama, no pain, no worries, no writhing in agony over injustices of the world and deeds undone. No guilt, no second guessing, no "I-wish-I'das," that's right... no regrets. One month of happiness and bliss just to know it can be had. I figured I may as well ask for a dance on the Moon.

"If it's not one thing, it's the same thing," I always say. That doesn't leave much room for laughter and joy, does it? And then I thought, "Maybe THAT'S the problem - my perception."

I poo-pooed that idea very quickly. I just couldn't be wrong again this year. I had nearly used up my limit and we still have 5 weeks to go! But on closer inspection I had to admit that was the case. It was my perception that lends itself to childish whims and notions of unfairness.

Why should I (or anyone) be exempt from the pains of the world? What makes me so special? My mind wandered to people who seem to have it all. What about them? Where is their pain in their mansions on the hill and all the luxuries they can afford? What about them?

What about them? I was judging my insides by what I saw on their outside. That's never a good place to be. The ultimate unfairness is to stand in judgment.

But just then Grace dropped by with her usual regal state. Her pearls of wisdom always remind me of how blessed I am. I was taken back to a day when I read the words from the book that changed my life, The Greatest Miracle in the World by Og Mandino.

"He is not poor who has little, only he who desires much. True security lies not in what we have but what we can do without."

What could I do without today? The answer came quickly. I could do without my "Poor Me" attitude. Poooooooor me... oh woe is me. What crap! I am so blessed. With friends, with caring, and with joy in my heart... if I only focus on that.

And I heard myself saying, "Yes, I know your heart aches. Trust in God. His will be done, not mine." And she said... "I always forget that. Thanks for reminding me."

I always forget it too. But I'm glad it came when she was in pain. Ohhhhhhhhhhh! I get it now! We help each other to remember the important things. Isn't life grand?