When We Don't Buy into Life's Facade

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There is a rush when connecting with people after twenty years. It's why facebook is so addicting when we first create our account. Because of all of the connections we make. And because of the image we have the ability to put forth.

It's not a false image, no. It's absolutely a part of who we are. But it's not the fullness of our person because that's not possible. We get thoughts and snippets, but we don't get real life. We see the beautiful architecture of the front of a building, yet we rarely get a foot in the door.

Although I resisted face book for the first year after my first invitation, I love it for the connections I am able to make. And, although I resisted attending my twentieth class reunion (and did not participate in every event), I still ate up every minute of seeing old faces and spending time with classmates like no time had passed at all.

By Sunday, I felt like I was coming down from a reunion high.

At the start, I knew I wanted my husband right by my side because he is part of who I am now.

Yet, what I wasn't expecting was the sense of nostalgia I would feel after the first night. It brought me back to a time when life was nothing more than thinking about where we'd end up on the weekend and who we'd see out. When the exterior is all we really paid attention to.

Yet, the man who stood by my side (or a few steps ahead helping to lead our pack!) is the one who has been inside every room of this building and has made each his own – the comfortable places, the intimate places, as well as, the storage areas where lies all the baggage - and I in his. He's seen the less decorative sides of the building, the broken down areas and has invested in knowing the history and detail that has gone into the making of this building.

Together we have strengthened the foundation, torn down walls, opened up the interior, and have opened the door of our lives to a work that invites people to share in. One that will leave a legacy, that will stand strong and tall for generations to come.

Together we are building up, with the tool and craftsmanship, what one day just may look like a heavenly mansion.

We can appreciate our connections from the past for what they are – fun and even meaningful reminiscent opportunities. The appreciation and respect for friends, like ourselves, who are building their own legacies. But when it's all said and done, it's not the image we put forth that amounts to real life – it's the hands of hard work, a heart that bleeds, and eyes that see more clearly through its tears. 

It's a work in progress; the building of a masterpiece.

Sharing with Finding Heaven,  A Pause on the Path,  Works for me Wednesday, Women Living Well, Getting Down with Jesus, Wise Women, Life in Bloom, and Beholding Glory