“We envy others, for we see their lives in broad outline, while forced to live our own in every detail.” ~Robert Brault

I quote from Robert Brault a lot, for he is a man after my own heart. We both favor one-liners, both truthful and funny. The quote above is deeply truthful.

After my daughter was diagnosed with cancer at age 3, my world turned topsy-turvy and never returned to normal. So you might say I have lived with abnormal for over 40 years now.  I have been wandering in the wilderness like Moses. And the wilderness of this world gets more dangerous every day.

As the holidays approach, I retreat more deeply into myself, drawing a cloak of silence around me. I have no group of friends wanting me to participate in their seemingly perfect lives. And for this I thank God. The God that has separated me out from the world and made me keep seeking Him elsewhere.

If you have not suffered a deep bereavement, you might still see clearly that the world is not what it seems to be. The Hallmark Movie Channel runs a Christmas movie every day and they all paint a picture of the life you don’t have. Why? Because Hallmark wants you to go out and buy trinkets made by them. That’s why!

There is no place for truth in the world. You have to leave the world to find it. If you try and tell me otherwise, you are deep into the  delusion.

So, yes, Brault is right. We think the family next door is happier than we are, simply because we only see what they want us to see.  How do I know that? Because we are all alike. I don’t want people to see the depths of my suffering or for the wisdom I have gained from it. I don’t cast my pearls. And neither should you.

This blog is for the few, as am I. I have taken what I wanted and am paying for it. I want truth that can lead to love. Self-love comes first. Never forget that. Once you reach self-love, anything is possible. But until then, your life will continue to be a train wreck. Oh, it may be so slow-moving that you don’t see it coming, but come it will.

Truth warns us when we don’t pay attention. Vernon Howard was a cry in the wilderness of the world, as was Jesus. Pay attention. Listen to your own heart. Honor it. Separate yourself from the world and your life will be lifted above it.