Gut Punch

It’s funny to me, the things that get my attention.

Some things happened this past week that really got my attention. The events really did not have anything to do with me personally, other than they happened to people I love and care about. When they hurt, so do I. The biggest issue being lack of control. To realize that the outcome has absolutely nothing to do with any decision or action made by me, is well, difficult.

The funny thing is how it did affect me. Being mostly a selfish person, everything centers round me anyway. I found myself wanting to fix it. Explain it. Take away the hurt. Could not do it. Both situations have repercussions that must be dealt with. In once instance a friendship was lost. The things we say can hurt people. Perception is reality. And what people think is their reality.

So. because I had no control over these issues, I was reminded of who does.

Friendships are precious. Keeping one is hard work. We choose one over the other all the time. Posturing up to connect is a part of life. What you say matters. But so does forgiveness. We have control over one, but not the other.

Pain and frustration are part of everyday life. Without it, we woudln’t know about comfort. Without mistakes, we wouldn’t know about understanding.

I’d rather do without all the issues that tend feel like i’ve been punched in the gut. I’d really rather not deal with the pain that my loved ones go through.

Or, would I?

I feel alive. Not because of the pain, but in spite of it.

Neither of these situations will ever be the way it was before they happened. Certain innocence has been lost. Friends may never be restored.

But through it, I am reminded that I don’t have to go through it alone.

Gut punch and all.