Broken

Have you ever been broken? Maybe it was over an injury inflicted by another, a devastating event, a significant loss, or even the death of a dream. Maybe it was the sort of broken that makes your world spin, your heart pound with renewed intensity, your emotions flow, your questions multiply, and your pain spill over. Can you understand that sort of broken? I can.

As I watch people and get to know them, I learn their stories. If we live long enough, we will all have at least one story; most have many. I have many. These wounds, these broken parts—these are what we are taught to hide lest others perceive us as weak or use them to exploit us and cause greater hurt, right?

Maybe, instead, you have been the one who has helped cause the brokenness in another. Maybe you spoke before seeking to understand; maybe you struck someone in your anger; maybe you simply showed you did not care. I have. Or maybe you are perfect? I am not.

Today I was reminded of a lesson I wish I would finally learn. Yes, I am broken. However, my brokenness, blindness, dullness, or deafness is no excuse. I am just as guilty as any who have wronged me. So, what do we do? Do we continue in our narrow vision and swim in our justifications, telling ourselves we have every right to be angry, bitter, and resentful?

Or, do we love?

I have no stone to throw, no right to condemn, no cause to issue judgment.

So what will I do? I will choose to love through grace. I will always forgive. I will love enough to have boundaries with those who insist on continuing in their wrong. I think some misunderstand unconditional love and even forgiveness. Unconditional love does not say, "I will be your doormat." Instead, it says, "I will be your mirror." True love says to the one who continues to harm, "I love you too much to let you continue to do ____ to/with me." Will that cost you? Love and boundaries, they always cost you. They can even break you.

Yet, I believe I serve One who is bigger than my brokenness. I believe I serve a God that can take brokenness and create something incredible. I believe this because that is what he continues to do every single day in my life. Those who have meant the most to me and have even helped me have been the ones who have chosen to love me. They loved me enough to help me change and still do.

What will you choose to do with your brokenness?

Anna

First, I have to just say that baby buns and baby rolls are so stinkin' cute! And, of course, when they are on your own beloved baby, it just makes them that much more adorable. ;) This shot so defines Anna right now; it totally sums up her personality at this point. She loves to be naked, standing, and giddy with giggles; bath time simply made it a perk. This afternoon we did a random bath for Ms. Anna, both to entertain her and to relieve her little bottom from some of the perils it has been enduring through this teething process. :( She had a blast, so much so that Emily begged to be able to enjoy it right along with her. Ah, now if they can always get along as well as they do right now...

Ariana and "Boyfriend"

Today, Ariana got to dive into the world of wedding photography by assisting me in shooting one. We had a few minutes of down time while waiting on the bridal party, and I grabbed this shot of Ariana. Fun, yes? And, after having just watched a wedding and looking at my 17 year old daughter, I am realizing how very not ready I am to be a mother to a bride anytime soon. So, I am thinking of trying to convince her that this should indeed be her new boyfriend. I mean, he is obviously dependable; although he kinda sticks to the same spot when hanging out. He is a great listener and someone she can lean on. He won't be trying any sneaky moves, and he is pretty solid and down to earth. What do you think; don't they make a neat pair? ;)

Emily Doing Her and Ariana's Makeup

Today has been swamped, and it is not over yet. :) In the middle of somewhat organized craziness there are those moments that just make you smile. One of the things I managed to accomplish was going through some of my make-up. (I try to get rid of it every few months because that is about as long a shelf life it seems to have.) Well, there was some eye makeup that I have that I was not fond of and was about to throw away, and Emily asked for it. I thought, "What the heck; this will be fun for her and entertaining for me," so I handed her the eye makeup.

I watched as she sat down downright giddy over the opportunity to play with my make-up. She got my mirror from the bathroom and took this job very seriously, even informing me that she would turn her cell phone off because she was not taking calls right now. I had to laugh out loud at that one. Well, she was so proud of what a good job she felt she was doing that she had to go and show Ariana.

It was all downhill for Ariana from that point. Poor Ariana tried to resist Emily's pleas and begging, but, alas, in the end she relented. Ariana sat down and agreed to allow Emily to do her makeup too. I have not laughed that hard in a very long time. Emily kept giggling this mischievous little giggle, Ariana kept laughing and looking a bit terrified, and I just did what I always do: I went and grabbed the camera. ;)

These are my favorite three of the photos I took; no, I could not just pick one. Emily would put makeup on Ariana and then crack up at how funny sissy Ariana looked when she was done. So, Emily had a blast, and although I am not at all sure Ariana would admit it, she had a blast too. I am thinking Ariana gets the big sister of the year award for this. What do you think?

Anna Hanging Upside Down

After a tough week for our baby superstar, Anna's third tooth officially broke through today! She looked puzzled at my excitement for her, but one day she will understand what a big deal it is, right? Well, regardless, we did the happy dance and celebrated her triumph. Then, to top off her confusion, Daddy hung her upside down really fast so I could capture this shot. Can you see the corner of her little tooth popping through on the left hand side at the top? Maybe now things will calm down for our precious little one—or not. Well Anna, great work honey, now you only have 25 more to go (minus the wisdom teeth you may or may not have). :)