Maps in Life

“The heart is the map that shows us where we’re going. The face is the map that shows us where we’ve been.”

This is a slightly edited version of a quote by Julia Roberts in the movie “Wonder”.

Last Saturday night I babysat my grandkids. Belle, who is seven years old, asked if I’d like to watch a family movie and, of course, I said yes. She chose this particular movie even though she has seen it before. I must say it was very good. It was quite moving as it not only focused on the struggles of one little boy, but also on a couple of other people who were going through tough times of their own. This movie also highlighted the trauma related to bullying. Something I personally experienced in my own life as a young child, as a teenager, and even as an adult.

At one point, Belle looked up at me. “Are you crying, Grandma?”

“Yes, I am, Belle. You chose a good movie.”

I thought about that particular quote off and on throughout the night and for the next couple of days. How very true it is.

Our hearts lead us to places we want to go. Maybe it’s not physical places we want to explore but perhaps it’s more about the person we want to be. You know, the inner you. And hopefully, our heart is Christ centered.

Our faces display the map that brought us to who we are today. Our wrinkles, creases, and lines show the roads of happiness, sadness, and pain. Some faces look weathered and worn due to poor choices made throughout life. Other faces hide lines well and are a bit harder to read. Regardless, our faces can tell our stories.

I have a tendency to clench my jaw tight. Sometimes so tightly that my teeth hurt. But I think you can clearly read my facial map.

Life has been difficult for me yet I’ve tried hard to rise above it. Maybe that’s why some people say I look younger than I am. But if you take a closer look you will see a map that has covered a variety of terrain. Much of which wasn’t easy to travel through.

I love this quote. But it’s best not look solely at the face to make initial judgments about anyone. (And yes, we all make judgements.) Let’s make sure we look at the heart too to better understand the place this person is headed, and/or wants to be. Maybe they will need help along their way.

I think this concept will help me to be a more compassionate person. ♥️

Andi