Does anyone know of a family that is so picture perfect that Norman Rockwell, were he alive today, would rush over to their house with his paints and paintbrushes in hand, and start creating more of his famous "art" about the wonderfully non-dysfunctional perfect family? I certainly don't. My biological family is definitely not a picture of this old-fashioned "Walton"-type existence. I have been to several holiday gatherings over the years in the homes of others, but everyone seems to put on that holiday cheerful "happy face" so they look good to everyone around them. After all, it is all about "spreading that holiday cheer", right? I see that in churches also. Think about it, do we, those that are churchgoers, ever see anyone yelling, arguing, or cussing at church? I never have. I see people all spiffed up, looking upbeat, and walking around like their "glass is half full". If Norman Rockwell painted "real" families, and churches are filled with such "happy" people, then what do we need police for? Why are there so many counselors listed in the phone book? Yessiree bob, the population of the United States definitely is all about the "games people play" as the song goes written so long ago. But, we can make a difference in the world around us, we can change and not buy into the lie that others are buying into. We don't have to be arguing or yelling at people, but we can be human, and show others that it is okay to be human. It is okay to tell someone that you are not doing well when they ask you how you are doing. I think that the word "fine" has got to be one of the biggest and most popular words used in lying to others when they ask us how things are. If you feel like crying, it is okay to say that you feel sad, and that you feel like crying.... Who says we have to put on a facade for the rest of our lives anyway??? Jeremiah 29:11
