Minneapolis... again.

Sitting in my cousin Rachel’s kitchen, I can’t help but think that tomorrow I start the last traveling leg of my journey. I will be home in a matter of days, and back to the familiar. Mom and dad are moving back to the country house... which will definitely be different. I hope and pray that God will reveal the reason for the house not selling soon. The whole process of being inbetween two homes has been stressful on them, and therefore stressful on the whole family. I wonder if underlying rifts between family members will ever be resolved... maybe them being back out there will be a catalyst for needed communication. Who knows. One thing I’ve been noticing more than ever in recent days, is that all families have serious issues... everyone parents differently... all parents are flawed... and all children are a product of their parents flaws. Looking at the Sheild side of the family in contrast to the Hanson side, both have just as many issues... they are just in different forms and are dealt with (or not dealt with) in different ways. It’s easier for me to focus on the negatives that have come from both sides, but as I’ve had time to dwell on things, I’m trying to replace those with the good that has been past on. Facing the nearness of loosing the generation that raised my parents is hard for me to swollow. As I watch their decline in mental and physical health, I can only think that they simply did the best that they could given their surroundings and upbringings. They passed on generational blessings and curses, and ultimately it’s up to us to acknowledge this and respond to it accordingly. What I mean is, we have the power to change how we view our defining story. While there is nothing I can do to change my upbringing or that of my parents, I can ultimately choose the lens through which I view these situations, and I strongly believe that viewing things differently is the first step to overcoming generational pitfalls. God has helped in the changing of my lens, because I’m starting to realize how he views us is how he wants us to view others, and unfortunately many people (including myself) struggle with a distorted image of how God views them. Realizing that God sees us as beautiful, and accepting his grace and mercy in every area of our weakness is key. Also knowing that through Jesus, we are blameless before God. For me at least, this has been the first step in viewing others through a different lens. Thus concludes my two cents for the day.