Always Choose Kindness

LOVE. LOVE. LOVE this book. I knew before I even bought WONDER by R. J. Palacio that I would cry. I purchased the book immediately after watching the trailer for the movie that is coming out later this year starring Owen Wilson (as the dad) and Julia Roberts (as the mom). So I was prepared for the waterworks. What was a surprise was the fact that I cried as much as I did--that there were so many things in the book that moved me to immediate tears. There were several times when I had to put the book down and wipe my tears away so I could continue reading unhindered. 

Palacio wrote about Auggie in such a way that I never once pitied him. I hurt that he had to experience all the hurt--physical and emotional--that he did and he was only 10 years old. Auggie demonstrates that our suffering makes us stronger and that even when we CAN'T, we CAN. I love Auggie. And his mom. And his dad. And Via. And Justin. And Miranda. And Summer. And Jack. And all the teachers. And Amos and the other boys. 

And I completely agree with Auggie's precept: "Everyone in the world should get a standing ovation at least once in their life because we all overcometh the world.--Auggie" (333).

He holds my treasures....all of them

**What follows is not only very personal, but has a faith-filled message.  Read at your own discretion:

I try to read Francine Rivers' THE SHOE BOX every year for Christmas.  It is such a wonderful, sweet little book about a boy full of faith even in the worst of circumstances.  Little Timmy has his box of "things" that he gives to Jesus one Christmas....and Jesus accepts Timmy's box of "things" just as if they're THE MOST IMPORTANT TREASURES in the world--even the "things" are simple, ordinary, every-day items that demonstrate love to a hurting little boy.  So very precious and wonderful.

An amazing reminder of the fact that God does hold our hurts...the Bible even says that He catches ALL my tears.  Tears are such simple "things," but anyone who has ever cried over heartbreak, pain, suffering, the loss of a loved one, or even just because knows how very special it is that God Himself has record of each and every tear.

That means a lot to me right now when I seem to cry at the drop of a hat for any reason at any time...when the tears are flowing as if rivers are attached to my eyes---rivers that had been dammed, but the dam has broken....and the valley is flooding.

If God finds such things to be treasures, then it is also a comfort during this season to know that He is holding my three treasures close to His heart:  James Isaac, Panya Ruth, and Anna Rose.  Momma loves you, my Beloveds, but I know that Jesus is taking good care of you......Hold my treasures tight, dear Lord, and take good care of them for me until I can be with them for eternity.....