Finding hope in difficult times-Lessons From The Rubble
Finding hope in difficult times-Lessons From The Rubble
My husband joined an incredible group of people several years ago on a trip to Kosovo. They spent a few weeks helping the war-torn country in the way they knew how- helping hands.
So many widows. So much destruction. In the devastation, my husband found me a souvenir of sorts and told me a story.
Taking a break from their projects they explored an area that had been hit hard. He noticed this little pot among the debris and brought it home for me.
It is metal and has holes and rust and beauty. Among the destruction, life goes on. There are beautiful people with haunted eyes living in Kosovo.
Finding hope in ruins
Community still happens, in spite of the poverty. There was little work to be found, so men walked with their arms linked in the evening.
Children tried to sell cigarettes, but still had smiles of hope. Women continued to make food and tea was often served.
Hospitality was big, even with limited resources. There was tragedy, softened by the survivors’ courage.
Courage born not by choice, but instead forced to blossom in the face of tragedy.
“There is some good in this world, and it’s worth fighting for.” —J.R.R. Tolkien
Why is finding hope important?
A discarded pot speaks to gratitude.
I will always keep this pot. It is in my kitchen, when I can peek and be reminded. I want to remember that someone’s hands used this pot for living, for serving, perhaps for loving.
It keeps me out of the mire when my mood starts to drop or my faith starts to falter or whining about life circumstances is imminent.
The gift provides valuable lessons from the rubble. This is what it whispers to me…
Be thankful, now. Always. Don’t wait for tomorrow. You have more than enough. It will be okay. No matter what today brings, you are blessed as though royalty compared to large populations.
Appreciate it. Give thanks. Pray for those with nothing left, that the seeds of hope will blossom in their ugliness.
And then, my pot gets respectfully placed back on its perch. Keeping watch over my kitchen. When I start to falter, it whispers…look up.
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What a beautiful idea to attach to a simple teapot. I have many crafted items I got in Rwanda, a place that has also been devastated by genocide, and yet where community and hope survive. I will remember to turn my eyes on Jesus and be grateful for all that I have.
Christa, you have such a wonderful way of bringing life to the most ordinary thing. This forgotten relic, this phoenix has risen from the ashes as a reminder of lives lived and lost. We all need our own treasure from the past to keep us looking up and to ever be grateful for our bounty.
What a beautiful idea to attach to a simple teapot. I have many crafted items I got in Rwanda, a place that has also been devastated by genocide, and yet where community and hope survive. I will remember to turn my eyes on Jesus and be grateful for all that I have.
Christa, you have such a wonderful way of bringing life to the most ordinary thing. This forgotten relic, this phoenix has risen from the ashes as a reminder of lives lived and lost. We all need our own treasure from the past to keep us looking up and to ever be grateful for our bounty.
Thank you for this reminder to embrace today. Embrace the life I have and look up.
Beautiful reminder.
Loved it Christa. Especially liked this line, “There was tragedy, softened by the survivors’ courage.”
Looking for the meaning in the obvious. Thanks.