As we were sitting at mass this morning, I looked over and I saw all three girls sitting on the pew with their hands crossed while they quietly sang the hymns and listening to the priest.
Just kidding. I have three kids five and under. I promise you that this has never happened. Ever.
No. As usual, TJ and I were practically dripping with sweat and frustration as we tried to wrangle two little girls who turn into monkeys when we walk into the church doors.
But halfway through the mass, I did look around, and I saw the family in front of me. It consisted of a man and a woman with their three teenage children. The children were sitting there calmly and peacefully, and the mother was following along with the readings in the Misallette. (Can you even imagine?!?!)
All of a sudden, I realized that one day I would be that woman. My kids will one day be older, and things will be less hectic. But then I also remembered a new truth that is starting to sink into my soul – as times change, our problems change, but always there will be problems.
I’ve been thinking lately that life is the great equalizer. We all enter this world with blessings. Some seemingly have more and some seemingly fewer, but regardless of the station we are born into, life will happen and it will bring us to the clouds and to our knees in equal measure.
So often I think to myself that I will be happier when… I’ll be peaceful when… I’ll be okay when…
But the grand truth is that when will never come because when comes with its own sets of problems and inconveniences and frustrations.
I think we have to stop thinking in terms of “when” and started thinking of it in terms of “despite.”
I will be happy despite my troubles. I will be peaceful despite my flaws. This world is beautiful despite its brutality.
It’s the choice we can make every moment of every day. The happiest among us have learned this lesson. I can be a bit of a slow learner.