Beneath the Wraps

Which is greater, love of one ’ s parents, one ’ s children, one ’ s spouse, or one ’ s friend? Love comes in various sizes and definitions.   Unfortunately we do not all define love the same way when it comes to relationships.   My initial response was the parents ’ love toward their children but I know for a fact that not all “ parents ” feel the same way about their children that they would make the ultimate sacrifice for them – even if that means teaching them with “ tough love ” which is often harder on the parent than the child.   Some people may have children but have absolutely no parenting skills or feel positive emotions toward their children.   Some people don ’ t know how as they were never taught themselves.   That goes the same for spouses.   Some will make small sacrifices for the other – such as cleaning the floor or ironing their shirts – it ’ s a sacrifice when one person does it not because of obligation but out of respect and l...

          People pick careers for different reasons.   Some people seem to focus more on their paychecks than the occupation.   Others pick their jobs in hopes to create a better world.   Take education, for example.   I don’t know any one teacher that picked his/her career in hopes of seeking financial wealth.   I don’t think teachers get paid near enough.   Many of them make huge sacrifices.   They sacrifice time as well as money out of their own pockets.   I don’t think the majority of students appreciate that – or may even be aware.           I know of two music instructors in the school district   that I work for.   One of the instructors spends three months at three different schools working with elementary children.   In addition she teaches before or after school band at Canyonville.        ...

                    Jenna had a high pain thresh hold for many years and didn’t seem whimpy at all.   But now she seems to be the opposite – making mountains out of molehills (so to speak) She took a spill quite recently and landed on her hand.   In the process she may have sprained her wrist.   She wore an ace bandage to school and says she wants a cast – but I don’t believe that her wrist is broken.   But she says she is too weak and has a tough time with it.   One specific example that she used was in getting dressed. I reminded her about Katy Plumis who you can read about here and here . Jenna asked me to remind me about how Katy lost her arm.   I told her that Katy had been thrown out of a car because she wasn’t wearing a seatbelt.   Katy’s cousin was killed in that same accident. Jenna then says to me that she’d rather lose her arm than h...

          So often we look at others’ lives and wish they were our own – or that we could have that kind of luxury or peace or knowledge or whatever.  For the most part we only see just one piece of the puzzle.  We see what we perceive as beautiful and elegant and glamorous; we don’t see the struggles behind whatever it is that we think we envy.           Everybody has struggles.  Those that don’t or think they don't are at a disadvantage because they aren’t growing.  We all make sacrifices.  Little day to day things.  Sacrificing the doughnut as a result of better health.  Giving up a bit of time each month to contribute to your child’s education or the welfare of those in your neighborhood or church.  Not spending money on one’s self but giving it to another who’s more in need – though it often feels like the finances of the giver are even les...