The Inner Lens

The Call of Reflection

John sat in his small, sparsely furnished apartment, staring blankly at the walls that felt both unfamiliar and suffocating. He had recently divorced after 17 years of marriage. The union had felt more like a battlefield than a partnership. In the quiet aftermath, he was left to confront a life that felt hollow and undefined.

For 17 years, his identity had been wrapped up in a relationship that was marked by conflict and strife. He had lost himself in the constant battles, the relentless arguments, and the simmering resentment that had poisoned their home. Now, stripped of that identity, John felt like a ship adrift in a stormy sea. He was without a compass to guide him.

His ex-wife had made sure to alienate their children from him, a final, cruel twist of the knife. There was no contact, no shared moments, no laughter echoing in the halls. The silence was deafening, the loneliness, a heavy burden he struggled to bear. The absence of his children left a void that he didn’t know how to fill.

Suddenly, the harsh ring of the phone cut through the oppressive quiet, jolting him from his thoughts. He reached for it, his heart pounding with a mix of hope and dread. Is it one of his children? Is it the lifeline he so desperately needed?

“Hello?” he answered, his voice trembling.

“Dad,” came the voice of his son, cold and distant. There was no warmth, no affection. Just the simmering anger that had been festering for too long.

“Yes, son?” John replied, his heart aching at the sound of the voice he had missed so much.

“I just wanted to let you know how much I hate you,” his son spat, the words like daggers. “You ruined everything. You ruined our family.”

John felt a lump rise in his throat, the pain of the accusation cutting deep. He wanted to defend himself, to explain, to make his son understand. But the words wouldn’t come. Instead, he took a deep breath, recalling a piece of wisdom he had recently found solace in:

Gathering of the Faithful

Blessed are those whose ways are true, Who walk with light, their hearts renewed. In Your decrees, they forge their path, With steadfast faith, they greet each day. In blameless steps, the journey grasps.

John reminded himself that this was a time for reflection and growth. He does not control the past, but he can choose how he responded now. He remembered the teachings of compassion and understanding, and how love cover even the deepest wounds.

Your hands have shaped my very core, In Your commands, I seek and soar. Grant me wisdom, pure and bright, To walk with You in sacred light. In Your embrace, my spirit roars.

Taking another deep breath, he spoke softly, “Son, I know you’re hurt. I know things have been difficult. But I love you, and I’m here to listen.”

His son’s response was harsh, but John held his ground, choosing love over conflict. He hoped that, over time, this approach would plant seeds of healing and reconciliation. As the call ended, John felt a mix of sorrow and hope. It was a small step, but a step nonetheless.

In fellowship, our hearts unite, With shared belief, on You we dine. In faith and hope, our voices rise, In unity, we sing Your praise. In understanding, love ignites.

John knew the journey ahead would be long and fraught with challenges. He believed he rebuild his life with faith and perseverance. One day, he will mend the broken relationships with his children.

Your laws are just, Your ways are clear, Through trials deep, You draw us near. In affliction’s heat, we are purified, Your grace and love keep us alive. Your righteousness, we hold dear.

John embarked on his path of healing and self-discovery. He was guided by the hope that love indeed covers all wrongs. He believed that peace and understanding be found even in the midst of life’s greatest trials.