Finding Contentment in the Family Tree

The events and experiences of life have a context that one tries to interpret for today. What does it all mean and what can one learn from these moments? From the moment one is old enough to think and process, it seems the search for meaning emerges. Throughout life, one is given, intentionally or unintentionally, a set of rules and standards to uphold that gives life an explanation. Sometimes, of course, the message takes a negative outlook showing a life of chaos, confusion, and on-going sorrow. Most of the time, the lives that fall under these circumstances exist unintentionally, meaning that the person involved does not hope for hopelessness and despair. Then there are lives that take a positive outlook, showing a life of happiness, purpose, and success. These lives, just like those who live the opposite, take shape with personal choices. Choices lead to experiences and experiences turn the pages of history and set the framework of the next generation. Whether one lives a life of chaos or happiness the circumstances under which it begins was put in place by the generation before. Trying to understand the framework and foundation of one's life comes with many questions and too often one's vision to understand is limited and confined to asking this: "What does this mean for right now?" A better question may be, "What does this mean in relation to the generation prior and the one to come?" Again, context is the underpinning of understanding our lives because one's life is not singular and unrelated to other lives. Interpreting one's life experiences seems much more important and fruitful when asking questions that relate to a generational understanding. Not only does one get a broader perspective and understanding when looking at life from a generational point-of-view but also one is directed to make more significant and purposeful choices. These choices, made in a spirit of exploration and intent help form an attitude of discovery and an outlook of better things to come.

An honest attempt to discern the meaning in one's individual life in proper context seems to be an exercise not unlike an exhaustive attempt at genealogy. Piecing together the connection of relatives and deciphering their personalities and the accomplishments of their lives is a study that can give inspiration, pride, disappointment, and even frustration. Very often, the answers one is given to explain and order life end up not being answers at all but form questions that were never thought to be asked. Maybe that defines maturity, that is, understanding one's life both from the knowledge of what is happening now and having perspective on how one's life fits in the broader view of generational growth. Like a puzzle, the pieces come together above, below, and side-to-side to form the complete image. Also like a puzzle, the individual pieces cannot view the complete image as it sits as a whole. Its role is in its place on the table just like one's life has a point-in-time assignment in history. It is beneficial, of course, to look back to the past for context and meaning. Better yet, it is important to leave something of value behind for loved ones to enjoy and continue cultivating. The point is that neither those of the past or those next in line will see fully the significance or impact, positive or negative, of the present. God is telling a remarkable story and to be apart of the plot is simply terrifying. Someday, when the Lord's story is complete and in full view of all, one's small, particular corner of history will deem itself necessary and contentment will no longer ride with self absorption or unanswered questions.

Moonshine Whiskey

"Jeb, would you stop messin' with that damn cat? You're makin' me nervous," shouted DeWitt.

"I'm just tryin' to make a friend, maybe somethin' you should be doin'," replied Jeb.

"You told me you would help me stand guard against those county bastards that want to shut down grandpa's still. This still has been producin' for ages and I ain't about to back down. You with me or not?," asked DeWitt.

"I'm here ain't I?", responded Jeb. "You didn't tell me I'd have to stand guard with my rifle. Besides, I'm supposed to be hayridin' with Miss Annie."

"Chasin' felines is about all you're good for anyway," bemoaned DeWitt.

Teacher's Week In NCH

Last week was Teacher Appreciation Week at Clovernook Elementary School. My wife, Hilary, and I have had an on-going conversation about being involved in the local schools where our kids attend so as to contribute toward a positive educational experience. So Hilary joined the PTA and volunteered to head up a campaign to honor the teachers and staff at Clovernook. I say "campaign" because that is what she made it, an over-the-top expression to say "thanks" for all the work and the care they display to our children.

Hilary did a wonderful job serving the educators and support staff. She had an advantage as a former teacher, knowing what teachers do and how best they would feel appreciated. She set up camp there all week serving breakfast and lunch each day. If you know Hilary you know she went all out as a hostess--no pre-packaged or pre-processed meals! She thoughtfully prepared whole meals with all the fixings. In addition, she had gifts to distribute and encouragement notes to deliver which made the week that much more meaningful. The combination of demonstrated service with considerate words is a powerful formula.

Hilary's efforts serving the school was fantastic but she did not work alone. The best part of the week was her ability to engage the North College Hill community. Local businesses rallied behind her effort to ensure the staff at Clovernook knew of their confidence and support. The majority of the food was donated and and all the gifts were supplied by these same, local businesses. Hilary organized a group of parents who volunteered to serve as recess monitors so the teachers could sit down and enjoy their already short lunch break. Teacher Appreciation Week was a community effort showcasing what it looks like when we serve one another.

The week of serving was a success all because of an outward focused attitude. The staff at Clovernook seemed genuinely overwhelmed with gratitude, and I imagine that the students in the classrooms also experienced a re-energized application of service to them. Hat tip to Hilary for giving us an example and leading us toward a selfless community lifestyle.

Normal Heroics: A Tribute to My Mom

She stands five foot nothing with dark, rusty hair moderately curled and cut short to minimize the maintenance. The splattering of red freckles on her fair skin draws little attention to her petite frame, but she won't complain. The quiet, tender spirit she portrays is becoming for a mother like her. As features go, this woman would never be picked from a crowd. Her unassuming personality and blue collar work ethic makes her plain in a world where mystery, scandal and shameless self promotion separates the popular from unpopular.

She is a working professional who is smart enough to know when to leave one job in order to focus on another more important career. As a housewife and parent her daily energy was directed toward her home, children, and husband ensuring that homework was done, bellies were full, and beds were warm. Forfeiting the upper middle class "American dream" she exchanged the myth of financial security for the stability of traditional family values. The memories are vivid and rich, but noticeably absent are the fuss and drama of a person who is trying to live beyond her means.

She is a lady with few words but much insight. Do not mistake her silence for absence of ideas, thoughts or emotions. The anxiety and worry she owns she carries for those she loves, hoping for what is best. Most of the conversation is reserved for the Father to whom she offers these burdens. Those faithful days and nights of prayer have shaped her life and all those in it.

From the perspective of an outsider it may be said that there is nothing spectacular about who she is or what she has done. Normal seems to be a trait that is forgotten or overlooked, but a quality that she happily embodies. For those who know her best it is well known how truly special she is; without the pomp of worldly achievements and prestige. Her character and simple identity have created a stature that has, to date, reverberated to two generations. In these complicated days normal is like a gem found in cavernous terrain. Indeed she can be described as normal but do not take that as a slight. Normal, as embraced by my mom, is the cloth from which heroes are cut.