Complicated Hope

All I ever wanted to be was a mom.

Well, there was the season of the Roller Derby Queen and to be Sammy Lane in “The Shepherd of the Hills” play.

But when I would pretend-play with my best friend Melissa, I was always a mom. She was always a doctor.  And we cared for so many many children in our imagination.

Time passed.  Melissa passed.  I became a mom.

Motherhood suprised me by many things – fatigue, endless laundry, the joy of a laugh.  I never expected to find such pleasure in watching my children pursue their passions.  Watching them play soccer or swim or in karate class or dance class – seeing their eyes light when they talk about a new book or movie or the new thing God is teaching them – those things are my greatest delight.

Watching Ashley sketch brings me joy.

Her heart is good.  She believes good.  She believes there is good in everyone and in every situation.  Her perspective is rooted in  good.

This goodness comes out in her sketches.  Simple.  Straightforward.  Long, lean lines.  Her paintings are calming, much like her presence.

She daily proves that bad circumstances do not have to make bad people.

They make tough people.  Only tough people can seek good when so much hurt surrounds them.