This last section or part of my story holds the most value for me – the healing. Looking at the content of my story I see something that surprises me. There were 8 chapters to explain my trial, but there were double that – 16 chapters where I describe the significant lessons I learned from this experience! That in itself is noteworthy, because it shows that there is life after pain. Those lessons learned have led to the final stage of my understanding and progression, which was to heal. Healing is the best stage after a trial, and proves that the bad things that happen in our lives may begin badly but they don’t end there. The healing completes us.
One of my favorite movie lines comes from a wonderful movie, The Sound of Music. During time of Marie Von Trapp’s despair, the Reverend Mother tells her this, “when the Lord closes a door, somewhere He opens a window.” That sentiment may be hard for some to believe, but it has always been true in my life. There are times when the dark clouds have gathered, sending a violent storm. Just when you think the storm will never end, the sun peaks through the clouds with a brilliant glow, sending down rays of light bringing hope that the destructive part of the storm is ending and we are showered with the light. I love to see that image in the sky and clouds bathed in light after a storm. Through imageries time and time again, nature reminds us of vital lessons to be learned in our own lives.
I have recognized through the years that it’s what comes after the storm, ie: our trials, that is the most important. The trial itself may be short lived or ongoing, but how we respond to the trauma is more important than what happened to us.
I will paraphrase, but a wise man told my oldest child this, “Your yesterdays do not have to ruin your tomorrows”.