To Catch Ourselves With Quiet Grace

Perspective is a powerful thing. Sometimes it is thrust upon us, often in jarring, devastatingly painful ways. Other times we seek it out to keep ourselves calibrated in an off-center world. Whatever the source and circumstance, the inherent value of perspective can be immense.

Yesterday was one of those occasions when I sought out perspective. I knew it was coming, and knew what the effect would be, but the impact was not lessened by virtue of foresight.

Few things can stir greater sorrow in me than a sick child. Nobody likes a bully. Illness targeting a child is the cruelest of bullies. I have had the unfortunate experience of having a child spend an extended period of time in the hospital. It is a physically and emotionally numbing experience. A bitter potion of helplessness, anger, and sadness. An experience that permanently changed the way I look at the world. An experience I hope to never relive.

Yesterday, a group of co-workers and I spent the afternoon and evening at the Durham Ronald McDonald House doing maintenance and cleaning work, preparing and serving dinner for all the residents and employees, and spending some time with the families and children staying at the house. We had done this in the Spring, and everyone involved was so deeply touched by the experience that we eagerly took advantage of the opportunity to return. Any organization like this, dedicated to assisting families in times of tremendous turmoil, is truly miraculous.

In the midst of my own experience, having had the consistency of our home to maintain some sense of normalcy was immeasurably beneficial. To have to go through that while traveling and dealing with the inherent stress that brings must be excruciating. The Ronald McDonald House tackles that head-on, and is dedicated to reducing the environmental stresses, allowing families to focus on loving and healing. A truly noble cause. I start today humbled and privileged to have been able to help in that cause, if only for one night. As I watch my kids head off for the first day of school, I am grateful for their health. I am grateful that they can participate in the anxiety and excitement this day brings. I am grateful for perspective.