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I am going on a dream vacation soon. For many people it’s a bucket list vacation. I get to spend 2 weeks in a tropical paradise. We’re planning on doing a lot of cool activities and because of the pandemic, was able to book a whole luxury condo for the price of a mid range hotel room! I’m turning off my phone and email and plan to love every moment I am there. Yes, I am very much ready for this wonderful experience.
However, it’s not all about a dream vacation. There is a very sad reality to this trip. It’s where my wife’s parents live. We’re staying in the condo because they could no longer maintain themselves at home and were moved into an assisted living complex. Because of covid, our time with them is limited. Their health has declined greatly in that last 4 years since we saw them. In all probability it will be the last time we see dad alive, and certainly the last time he will remember us. That part is heart breaking for my wife.
You see, not everything looks as good as you first think when you peel back the façade and see the reality behind it.
What about that person that seems to have it all going wonderful on social media? Well, Gabby Petito showed us that life isn’t always as wonderful as a person’s social media might suggest.
What about that person that seems so beautiful and flawless in all those photos? Well, when you see most of them in real life, you realize just how good filters are.
What about that family that seems so well adjusted and has it all together at church or anywhere else? When you sit down with them, and they open their heart, you realize the pain that is in the family because of this issue or that sin. They are heartbroken…and broken. That beautiful smile is just a brave face for public consumption.
What about that cool church I watch on YouTube that has the world’s best preacher and praise team? After some honest conversations you begin to see that they have just as many problems as your little church, but in a far bigger ratio. Yes, that preacher is really good, but he doesn’t have a clue you even exist. Yes, their praise team is excellence personified, but their worship is only skin deep. They are just as flawed as the people in your own church.
Don’t get caught in the trap of first assumption and become jealous. So many are hurting and broken just like you. They just do a good job at covering up their pain. Just like you do.