When I was little, my favorite book was Cinderella.
Why?
Because my older sister was learning to read. And somehow, after listening to mom read Cinderella to us a few times, I had the book memorized. So, when my sister was trying to sound out the words to that story, I would jump in and tell her what it was.
Maddening for her. Completely satisfying for me.
What a brat, right?
Besides that…
I loved that story for other reasons as well. Cinderella faced many adversities. She lost her father when she was young. She never knew her mother. As she grew up, her inheritance was squandered on the vain and selfish interests of her step-sisters. And she had to live with mean-spirited people who were constantly looking to facilitate her demise.
“And yet, through it all, Cinderella remained ever gentle and kind.”
I often felt inspired by her reaction to life’s adversity. Hope. Gentleness. Kindness. And I watched the movie again and again, praying those character traits might rub off on me.
The past few weeks, our family has walked together through some difficult news.
And once again, my faith grows stronger as each of us has come alongside the other to offer support and hope and love. When the confidence of one waivers, the certainty of another shines through. Not for ourselves but for each other. And I couldn’t help but be reminded of one of my favorite songs from Cinderella.
So This Is Love
“So this is love.
So this is love.
So this is what makes life divine.
I’m all aglow.
And now I know,
The key to all heaven is mine.
My heart has wings.
And I can fly.
I’ll touch every star in the sky.
So this is the miracle that I’ve been dreaming of.
So this is love.”
Is it all about romance?
I used to think that kind of love was all about romance. And as I experienced more life, it felt a bit foolish. The key to all heaven comes from falling in love?
As an adult, I see it through a different lens. Love does give us the key to all heaven. Maybe a life partner helps us access it in some of our tough times. And also, the love of a friend, a neighbor, a family member brings heaven a little closer to earth for most of us.
When we feel like we can’t walk, maybe even breathe, a little love can give our heart wings. And that truly IS a miracle.
So, this is love. WE are love. Our support system is love. And it absolutely makes life divine.
Here’s to remembering the important things in life – loving on our people, so we can all touch every star in the sky.
xoxo,
p.s.- My sister has forgiven me for being such a brat as she was trying to learn new things. And it’s a fun family story that makes us laugh together now.
