Sunday, March 20, 2011

New meaning

In a world where we are bombarded with messages about physical attractiveness, and chasing the latest trend, I have found some insight about superficial qualities that many base their entire self worth on.  Through the quest for outer beauty, that everyone tries to achieve, Gavin has really changed my value on the way I perceive others . 

We are so consumed, over analyzed and constantly trying to change.  

We need to critique each other and ourselves over our physical traits. 

We put each other down, or build each other up, based solely on these physical characteristics that are either judged as being aesthetically pleasing, or harshly unappealing.
 
Judgment is passed, opinions are formed.
 
We can be laughed at from afar, or admired close up.
 
All based on our natural, or altered beauty.
 
My favorite people are the ones whose hearts are genuine, spirit is kind, and demeanor is honest.
 
My favorite people come in all colors, shapes, size and type.
 
“Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart”
 
Thank you Gavin, for giving me a much better insight of the true meaning of genuine beauty and admirable qualities outside of the physical realm.
 
Here are some other “new meanings” that have changed for me, since he has been born.  From the sound of music, to the sound of rain drops.  From the sunsets at a distance, or the compassion from others I feel close, deep in my heart.
 
I have changed. 
 
All for the better.
 
Here are a few more at the top of my list.
 
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Music
The sound of music is Gavin’s world.

braille

Braille
Braille will be Gavin’s way of reading the world.

rain

Sound of rain
Gavin dances to the sound of raindrops.

CampsBaySunset

Sunsets
I hope Gavin can see the fascinating beauty in a sunset one day.

reading-glasses

Glasses
Glasses always meant to me, a way to see better.  Gavin wears glasses, and he doesn’t see better with them, but they are a huge part of his life.

dog

Service Dogs
A guide dog will be Gavin’s companion one day. 

white-cane1

White Cane
A cane will help Gavin’s accessibility, and a way to help him with independence.

ws_Nature_Rainbow_1152x864

Rainbows
Same as a sunset.  The beauty is remarkable.  He is learning colors!

support_grp

Compassion
I have never felt more compassion in my life, than I have the past 2 years.  It has taught me to be a better person.

“Let the beauty we love, become the good we do”
 
In our society, we all want to look better so we feel better. 
I wish the message would focus on doing better to feel better.
 
I’m all about making the best of what you have, and who you are.  I enjoy trying to look my best, and feeling good.  I just see too often how quickly judgment is passed.  There are so many beautiful people in this world.
 
If only we would look deeper.
 
Gavin doesn’t see the physical beings, he sees the soul. 
 
  Thank you Gavin for helping me see the true beauty in people, as only you will.
 
Sometimes our children are our best teachers!

4 comments:

  1. AMEN!!!!!

    I just saw a show on botched surgeries. People these days are getting surgery done like they are going in for teeth cleaning. Little kids seeing their moms going in for plastic surgery. I don't get it? Where is the love and appreciation for our soul, the inner beauty? What are we teaching our children? It is blasted on commercials, magazines; all over the internet on ways to make you look better. Not that often do I see the same exposure for doing good for others and the pay off being not beauty but God smiling down upon us.

    Proverbs 31:30
    "Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised."

    I agree with you I am all about trying to look your best. But my question is at what expense? Can't we put more energy and acceptance in to other areas of our lives?

    Great post!

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  2. Love Love Love!

    Meghan

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  3. This is such an insight. Thank you for sharing. My nephew was just diagnosed with RP, but very advanced. I am so happy to have found your blog.
    All my best and prayers for a cure,
    Shirley

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  4. Hi Jen, You don't know me, but I was paging through new blogs for something to do and came upon yours (first.) Thank you for writing (what you have.) I feel like I have met Gavin in a small way. :) It is a very thoughtful post.

    It sounds like you are doing well (and processing things well.) My son, Nate is now 20 and in college. Wow. He is not blind, but he was born with craniostenosis (and had his skull revised at 51/2 months.) That went O.K. but BOY~~~~it was very hard. The, when Nate was 12 (we did not know then) that he also had a problem with both of his lungs.

    It is a hardship to watch your (beloved) child suffer (in any capacity.) It has caused me to pray pray pray and strive to rise above the obvious struggle. I believe it is a process of grieving, actually.

    Anyway, it was nice to have met you and God's richest blessings on your day to day living. Gavin looks so cute and I am wondering how old he is right now!

    Karen (louvregirl)

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