Fortunate Son

Everything in life is about perspective.

This year has been one of the worst in recent memory. In some ways, it has been the worst.

As I struggle, I try to keep things in perspective. My loved ones are safe. We all have jobs and food on the table. Our struggles are not insignificant, but nor are they insurmountable, for the most part.

And yet…

As much as I try to count my blessings, I struggle with it. When bad things happen, it is difficult not to ask. Why was this burden put upon us? There is a human need to justify suffering. To assign blame and to make sense of it all.

I am not a religious man. In the face of trouble, I never ask God “why hast thou forsaken me?” I just rather assume God is busy ensuring that the sun continues to rise.

No, it isn’t God. Bad things just happen. I can’t say whether the righteous suffer more or if it just appears that bad people get away with more.

I can’t say. I can only wake up every morning and try again. And hopefully it will all be worth it in the end.

It taught us that we have to create the future or others will do it for us.

It showed us that we have to care for one another, because if we don’t, who will?

And that true strength sometimes come from the most unlikely places.

Mostly though, it gave us hope that there can always be new beginnings… even for people like us.

-JMS