If I had to choose which sentences is the most beautiful of all the sentences in the English language I would choose this one: "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known."
The arrangement and rhythm of the words themselves move me. But the beauty for me happens on another level as well.
Lately I've been struggling (again) with the idea of suffering, specifically with the suffering that mental illness causes to the afflicted person and to that person's family. I have so many moments where I just look at what mental illness does--the waste it engenders, the sadness, the helplessness, the hopelessness when things are going badly--and I just want to say Oh really, God? What's the point of this one? Will someone Holy please explain it to me? Is that even a possibility? Because guess what. I. Just. Do. Not. Get. It. At all.
But sometimes grace descends in the form of words, and I hear them call to me.
On this side of the glass.
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10 comments:
Beautifully said, Ann. Mental illness has touched our family too and It. Is. Hard. Thanks for sharing and being so open. Thoughts and prayers for you.
So lovely. Thank you.
Yes.
Thanks, Ann.
Thank you for this.
I love this so much. And feel the same way And that sentence - now that is power.
Ann, I love the image of being on this side of the glass!
I work with bits of broken mirror and colored glass to make my mosaics and that verse has often just run through my mind while I cut, shape and arrange the pieces. It is a favorite verse of mine. Sometimes the shards and chips of glass cut me, but with time and effort, I'm able to combine them into a piece that comes together to make something beautiful, and I'm grateful for them.
Mental illness has so many negatives, but there are a few positives that have come into my life because of it. Humility, reliance upon God, compassion for others, appreciation of little kindnesses. Like looking at a fractured mirror, it's hard to see things accurately when looking at life through the lense of mental illness, but sometimes a glimpse of God's grace emerges...enough to help you through the moment. ♥
I like this one too: "While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal."
Have no idea what it means.
So beautiful, Ann.
This scripture has always been one of my very favorite, too. Its truth in reference to life is unmistakable. I have often thought that if I wrote a memoir, that would be the title.
Thoughts and prayers sent your way.
Thank you for this lovely reminder that we don't always see things the way they really are. Love you and the way you say things.
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