I can feel them—hot, wet, unwanted. Having no idea where they came from—(lack of sleep? hellacious calamity of errors over the last 36 hours?)—I chalk them up to yet another thing I cannot control. “The seatbelt sign is on, please return to your seat with your seatbelt securely fastened.” We’ve hit a bumpy patch, less than ten minutes since the all clear, smooth skies ahead declaration. In my row 24 middle seat, I sit in my customized version of Alanis Morriset’s “Ironic.”
I’m on my way home from a two plus week whirlwind tour of Italy and the Mediterranean coast, watching “Under the Tuscan Sun” on an airline I’ll not soon use again, and I can’t comprehend why I’m crying. Thankfully, not the ugly kind. Just the moderately concerned, sideways glances of “The Princess Diaries” window seat girl next to me kind. *sigh* Life is strange.
Here’s the part where I’d usually stop, because I’ve temporarily scratched enough of the writing itch to feel satisfied. At least that’s what I tell myself. It’s easier that way—leaving out the tender bits underneath. I think we all feel that way.
Smile for the camera. Post the color corrected pic. Put on a good show. No one wants to see raw pink skin that’s barely holding it together once the scab has been removed. It might bleed again at any moment, which is messy and unpleasant.
Why are we so desperate to seem put together when most of us are secretely falling apart? It’s definitely a learned trait. The crying toddler in row 23 is a prime example. He’s not happy, something is definitely off, and he is unabashedly letting everyone in the plane know it. The mother frantically tries to playcate him. “I know, I wanna cry too,” she says as he wails. People stare. This is “unacceptable” behavior and everyone knows it. Again I ask, why? Why is it socially frowned upon to show your unfiltered emotions?
Since I’m without internet, I cannot Google an appropriate Bible verse to refute this unnatural practice. Yes that is a transparent admission that I do not have every chapter/verse memorized. What I can do is recall the countless times I read the word “wailed.” Or multiple references to tearing one’s clothes off in despair. I believe these displays of emotion are captured in the Bible because they are real. Natural. And therefore not shameful.
So in my REA/L moment with you today, I’d like to humbly remind you that we are all a little raw beneath the surface, AND THAT’S OK. If we collectively try to treat each other with tenderness, our wounds might heal a little faster. If we tend to those brave enough to show their authentic self with compassion, there might be more sincerity. If we are willing the bear each other’s burdens, instead of burying them, life might feel a little less strange. Or at least less isolating. That’s my two cents anyway.
My seat back is up and tray table is stowed for landing. As we descend, I’m thankful for the “unpleasantries” of this flight. Ok that’s not entirely true. I’m thankful for His divine revelation and gift of these words. May they prove helpful in your journey today my friend.
Let's Get REAL Together 