Hard truths, the kind of firm truths which strip away the veneers of self-deceit, ego, and delusions, often trigger emotional confrontations with our hearts and minds. I will be the first to say, hard truths are hard, really hard, to accept.
On my best days, I find myself sharing my desire for truth-filled conversations. Most of the conversations are not about myself, so I am standing on high and safe ground. It is always easier to accept and act in the light of truth when it does not cast a direct shadow on one’s past.
In moments where my imagination embraces my detailed myths, I am reminded of the psalm and the truth revealed, “But don’t, please don’t, haul me into court; not a person alive would be acquitted there.” (Psalm 143.2). Within every heart, there is a dark recess which holds truths which will not stand the light of day.
And yet, hard truths have brought me back to the beauty found in a sunrise, the wonder of unconditional kindness, and the awe of acceptance. When I think of hard truths, as I get past the natural barrier of denial, I find an invitation to see the unimaginable. Every negative found in a hard truth in my life is an invitation to the best in life.
In a recent time of stress and feelings of being overwhelmed, I found hope in the amazingly big bright blue eyes of a toddler with wild blond hair. As he looked deep into my eyes, I found myself looking back and into the heart of God – trusting, present, and filled with hope.
In my reflection of a family walking home in a night’s deep darkness with a couple holding hands and talking with frequent eye to eye contact as their children enjoying games in the shadows, I experienced love, relationship, and creation on full display. They are not the exception. This family modeled what is universally available to everyone.
In the mirrors of our lives, easy and hard, are invitations to more. May we see and accept Divinity’s gift.
