Q: What is the most important lesson you have learned in your life?
A: I have a choice in creating a brilliantly beautiful Masterpiece!
There are many things in life that teach you lessons. There are some people who can learn from others … then there are those of us that have to learn the hard way. I have made my share of bad choices and been on the receiving end of others bad choices: addiction, alcoholism, abuse, adultery, divorce… gossip, bullying,… rape. In some way, those things have chipped, shattered, chilled, heated, or shattered my life. Add to that the healing process, the ownership of my part, the amends to be made for those I have affected with my damage, the forgiveness… sanding down the edges. To take ownership of my part and embrace the consequences instead of playing the “victim” or “passing-the-buck” strengthens and helps the masterpiece of my character to take shape. Forgiveness allows for the bitterness and cynicism to not hold me back or be like a cancer killing me from within. Then the hot molten iron begins to pull all of the pieces together. My life, with many lessons learned, begins to take shape and my character solidifies into a masterpiece similar to that of a stain-glass mosaic… a variety of shapes, sizes, colors…welded together in brilliance. So you ask: “What is the most important lesson I have learned in my life?” That all the things that happen, people I meet, choices I make and how I handle myself in it all may break me…however, the broken-ness is made brilliantly beautiful. I choose. I get a hand in that masterpiece.
jeanette harris 
mandythompson
February 29, 2012
You write with beautiful imagery, Jeanette. I like how you placed the ugly against the beauty of a mosaic. So powerful. It reminds me of the movie “How to Make an American Quilt”—there’s a scene of literal and figurative brokenness that is eventually turned into a wall mosaic. Quite an interesting line of the story.
jeanette
December 30, 2012
Mandy… I am always touched by your work …. writing, music, and your artistry. 🙂 I am honored and blessed to know that i have a friend in Georgia, though we have never met in person, impacts my heart strings. 😉 One day we will meet… and I pray it is before we have eternity to hang out.. ha ha ha. Be encouraged beauty… ’cause you are rockin’ it!! 🙂
Tammi Lynch
February 29, 2012
My sweet and darling Daughter you are amazing with your words and your talent. Never just let your talents set around. God blessed you with so many for a reason. I’m proud of you and always proud to call you my daughter!!!! Here’s somthing to think about as you journey through life. God can us the pain we carry in our hearts as a grinding stone that sharpens us and shapes us to love more tendrely. It is what sharpens our capacity to be tender and loving with another who is wounded and broken. To be more empathizing and without judgement. You have that gift. I am blessed you are one of most precious gifts!!!!! Now go and put a song in your heart a dance in your feet and a smile on your face, because YOU help to make the world a better place!!!!! Love, Hugs, and Prayers, Mom
jeanette
December 30, 2012
Momma.. I so love you and am blessed by your encouragement! 😉 ❤ You my dear .. make this world a better place and have taught me well. 😉
Aaron
April 21, 2012
Beautifully said, in a way that only you could say it. Beautiful. You are that masterpiece you speak of (in the journey of, in the making). 🙂
jeanette
December 30, 2012
Thank you AP!! I am so glad that I have a brother who has seen me upon this journey in many ways. 🙂 Love ya!