Looks Can Be Deceiving

~ rdicarne
sol
#SOL19

It’s the things we carry silently within ourselves which are the heaviest burdens. ~ John Mark Green

This morning we had a two hour delay. The drive to work was like a trip through a winter wonderland. That is until I took a closer look. Some of the trees were covered with snow that glistened in the morning sunlight, but others were not so tranquil looking. I noticed that some trees were bending and straining under the weight of the five inches of heavy wet snow that fell over night. Some even had broken limbs.

I started thinking about people and how many times we look around us only superficially. My students, my friends, my colleagues, people I just pass on the street or in a store – each of them may look carefree and happy, yet who knows if they are bending or straining under the weight of challenges? Who knows if they are feeling broken.

Sometimes we get so wrapped in our own lives that we may start thinking that we are the only ones with problems. Not that I think any of us should make light of our challenges, but we need to be aware that all is not what it seems and looks can be deceiving.

Today I learned another lesson from nature. As I go through my day, I will start to look around with a new found sense of wonder and compassion. Are there people who pass my way who need an ear to listen or a shoulder on which to cry? Are they bending and straining under an unbearable weight? Can I be the sunshine someone needs to melt some of that heavy burden? I hope so.

10 thoughts on “Looks Can Be Deceiving”

  1. Your post is lovely. “I noticed that some trees were bending and straining under the weight of the five inches of heavy wet snow that fell over night. Some even had broken limbs.” I’ll think about this for a long time, Rita. Thank you.

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  5. What a powerful metaphor and a lesson for all of us… you’re right, we can never know the strain people may be under as they traverse through their lives. I agree with you, compassion is always the right choice. And what you write affirms the fact that we should not take things personally nor make assumptions, two sacred agreements. Thank you so much for sharing this lesson from nature.

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  6. Rita,
    Your post is beautiful! I was able to picture trees with fresh fallen snow on the branches because that’s one of my favorite things to notice in the winter. What I love, is how you noticed that but also the other side of it and connected it to life. It’s so true that we go through life not knowing what is happening to those around us. I think it’s great that you will be there for whoever may need that shoulder to lean on or ear for listening.

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