The World's A Wreck

  

Last night as I drifted off to sleep salty and silent tears streamed down my face.  You see, the world’s a wreck and I can’t fix it.

Last week 26 people died going to church.  As Breaking News crossed the television screen and flooded my Facebook feed I immediately thought of my family of faith.  I considered that when my heart feels like it’s breaking I find refuge and unwavering hope in a community that believes in promises greater than I could ever imagine.     You see, the world’s a wreck and I can’t fix it.

Only weeks ago there was more Breaking News: 50 people died enjoying a concert in Las Vegas. I’m not one for large crowds and I’ve only been to one concert in my life.  Still, I can’t help but think that maybe it’s a good thing I just prefer to listen to music in the comfort of my home.   You see, the world’s a wreck and I can’t fix it.

 And still only a few weeks before watching Sunday afternoon Football with our closest family and friends becomes Breaking News: As this happened I consider a conversation I had with a middle school student.  I often explain having cerebral palsy   to youngsters using football. It’s kind of like if the quarter back pulls his hamstring and has to be benched for a while. The biggest difference is that if we want to impact our community even as people who learn differently sitting on the sidelines won’t work.  The idea that life carries a unique set of obstacles for me as young woman with a disability always sits in the back of my mind. Yet, even on days when my heart is breaking as much as news; I try to lead with a heart of gratitude. You see, the world’s a wreck and I can’t fix it.

Rewind a few more weeks more Breaking News:  This time hurricanes are destroying the tropics and the coastlines of Florida.   As this happened I consider that while I’m not thrilled about the beach we’ve taken family vacations to the tropics and know people who call Florida home.  And I consider that maybe, I don’t want to take anymore family vacations here----  Really, who am I kidding, vacations don’t really matter because if you live in devastated areas and depend on tourists to make a living then your solidly out of work.  Not to mention, if you happen to be in place where the hurricane made landfall--- then the schools I love so much as teacher, they are closed and relying on donations to get learning again! You see, the world’s a wreck and I can’t fix it.

I could keep recounting more Breaking News because sadly that’s just a snapshot of the national news. I left out what’s going on in my city and in yours. You can fill that empty space ---- or maybe you don’t want to because it’s too heartbreaking.

You see, the world’s a wreck and we can’t fix it. Yet, all this Breaking News   might be a reason to listen and love others more carefully. So what do we do with this? Stop just thinking about the people who mean the most to you. Find a way to tell them.    Then, find a way to agreeably disagree with others because odds are even when we disagree both thoughts have merit.  Our life stories are just different--- and that alone drastically impacts what we see.   After that read a book, drink a cup of coffee, go on walk---- do something you enjoy.   Once you’ve done these things and maybe cried a few silent and salty tears of your own… You’ll begin to understand that even when you hurt the hope that you try to give away will always count for something.  Healing brokenness begins with a heart of hope!