Monday Musing, 12/3/18

Hello Apprentices--​

Today, some words of wisdom and encouragement from my Aunt Vondria.

Several years ago, I was going through a very difficult time. The most difficult time of my life thus far, actually. Lots of transitions. Lots of pain, most of it self-inflicted, and much of it inflicted from me upon others. Mistakes abounding.

I received a letter in the mail from my Aunt Vondria, my mother’s youngest sister. She is a free-spirit, an actress and painter and sculptor.

She had made me a little piece of art. A craft project really, just a few inches on each side, and the picture you see here is of its front. On the back, this is what she wrote:

“This piece was made from an accident, a sad mistake. The entire pad of perfect construction paper got wet and the colors bled onto each other. After the paper had been discarded, it dried, leaving the pattern of the accidental spill in different colors on each sheet. I found it months later and thought it much improved. 

I love you.

Have faith.”

This picture of this flawed yet improved construction paper has been the background image on my phone ever since. I keep the original note and art on my corkboard at home. It is perhaps the most beautiful reminder I have ever received of a deep-seated truth of the human experience:  mistakes, failure, pain… they are unavoidable, and to be cherished as the most teachable moments, as the opportunities for grace and discovery, as the tilling of our richest soil for our greatest art and insight and maturation. This does not absolve you from responsibility for your actions, not a whit, nor should you seek out growth by harming others. But when you stumble, and when the stumblings of others impact you, you will find that contrition and forgiveness--which are simply the act of letting go--will serve you far more than pride and punishment.

Have a great week. I do not wish hardship upon any of you, but knowing that it will come regardless, I wish you courage and endurance and kindness and grace. And ultimately… the discovery of healing.