My Age Doesn't Make Me Superman

Hi, Reader

If you knew how many drafts I've made of this single post, you'd probably advise me see a therapist.  In all sincerity, however, a lot has happened in this past week, and summing it all up feels like I'm not giving justice to the bitter truth of what I've learned.  It's so difficult for me to fully grasp the idea that every single person I meet live a life as complex as I do.  Sure, that's a pretty easy sentence to say, but to honestly sit here and know that every pair of eyes that accidentally stumbles upon these words has cried, laughed, sung, bruised a knee, and just needed a hug seems like such a foreign idea.  I suppose that's why they call it a "self-serving bias."
Regardless, that reality has struck a chord pretty close to home in the past few days.

First off, long story short, a guy that I used to be friends with was in a pretty bad wreck when he was running from the police.  He kind of used to be my best friend, and although we hardly speak anymore, I can say without hesitation that I would not be who I am today were it not for him.  It's hard to believe that he did something like that.  I can't imagine what his family is going through.  I will not go into details (it's not exactly my place) but I will tell you that they have faced a difficult year.

About four days later, I got word of the death of a classmate of mine.  I saw him in the hallways, said "Hi" sometimes, and became pretty familiar with his antics during class.  I'm not saying I was good friends with him, or anything like that, but he was there.  I've walked the same halls he did.  I've driven the same roads he's driven.  I've talked to the same people he's talked to.  I've probably laughed at some of the same teachers as he did.  So what makes me so lucky?  Why do I still have today?

My point is simply this:  the world kept spinning.  It didn't stop.  One mother had to watch as police officers arrested her son, and a group of some of the toughest guys I've ever met have cried over the loss of their friend.  Still, the world didn't flinch.  I've felt the pain of heart-dropping news, and yet despite the sudden lack of a concept of time, the second hand on my watch didn't miss a single tick.  It's at times like that when I find comfort in the fact that Jesus continually reminds us that he is not of this world--this world which will not sympathize, or care.

When Jesus was telling the disciples that he was going to have to leave them (first to be crucified, and then to be taken to Heaven a little later after he was risen), He told them...

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.  John 14:27


How amazing is that.  "Not as the world gives do I give to you."  From my own experience (which may or may not be your own, so interpret this as you wish) the world is a pretty sucky giver.  There have been times in my life in which I can assure you that I was dealt a bad hand, but in the midst of these struggles, the Lord remains one of the only assurances I have.   We all need that solid rock.