Tuesday, July 17, 2012

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.

13 comments:

  1. Good morning, Theresa,

    I appreciated your image here of a marriage that we pour time, energy, labor, and love into... "the building of a masterpiece."

    Have a great day.

    Jennifer Dougan
    www.jenniferdougan.com

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  2. Facebook is crazy like that. It does take you back, and you can get a little stuck there if you don't pull yourself out of that nostalgic haze. Well said.

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  3. I love the imagery of your post. It's good to pull close those who know us well and love us best in the everyday real world. Integrating who we are and are becoming online and up-close is so challenging.

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  4. Hi neighbor...yes...the masterpieces we are building is what stands through all eternity...blessings to you~

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  5. There is such a difference between the way we saw life as teens and now as adults. You've reminded me of this difference, Theresa. I'm so glad you had a walk down memory lane, but I like the what your life is about now so much more. :)

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  6. Love your analogy here. So glad God's given us men that can see the inside of the building and still love us. And I'm grateful for a God who is willing to gut the whole structure and redecorate!

    We attended our 20th reunion last year and I was surprised at how sweet it was to reconnect. Like you, I'd been rather hesitant to step back into those old relationships- fearful it would "feel" like the old me. But so fun to see how God has been at work in my classmates' lives over the years.

    I'm lucky that my husband of 19 years is also my classmate- fifth grade sweethearts :) Makes those reunions much more fun!

    Hope you have a great week, friend.

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  7. I'm always looking for the balance of what to share, what not to share, and how to always keep it real -- whether or facebook, the blog or IRL. Thanks for sharing here. :)

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  8. Thanks, Theresa, for your comments on my site. Yes, quiet is good and leaves me refreshed and joyful.

    Thanks for joining me there today.

    Jennifer Dougan
    www.jenniferdougan.com

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  9. I go back and forth on FB. I've made lots of new friends, so to speak, and found a number of old friends... from almost 50 years ago of not hearing from or connecting and now we DO see each other. So FB has some good things.

    And a class reunion and a nice time with a husband... those can be special [especially when you have a really good husband so you can simply enjoy him, no matter what else ends up on your plate].

    Blessings to you and yours.

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  10. I got goosebumps reading this. What a neat picture of marriage. Some of my friends and family members are on their second or third marriages. In your analogy, that would be like burning down your house and building another one. My husband and I celebrated our 28th anniversary this month. I'm so thankful for the joys and benefit of a committed relationship.

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