All Quiet on the Western Front

Friday, October 09, 2009 Edit This 1 Comment »
Often, I feel like this title (All Quiet on the Western Front) early in the morning. Everyone is still sleeping, and I'm sitting here enjoying my coffee. I soak up the silence because the rest of my day is filled with chaos, talking, laughter, etc. I do enjoy those times of the day, too. It is just at this time I can truly reflect on what is going on in my life and the lives of the ones I love.

There is a novel known by title of this post, too. I read it in my high school AP English class. It was pretty gruesome because it dealt with World War I and the loss of innocence of a young soldier. When I thought of this title, I instantly remembered that novel and found some similarities to my mornings.

I go through the day and am shocked at the cruelty in the world. I watch people hurt each other. I see loved ones pass away and watch families grieve. I find what little innocence I had left is simply slipping away as I sit and think during my quiet mornings.

Then, my boys wake up. Instantly, my innocence is renewed through them. I can view the world through their eyes. They see no bad. Well, the only bad they see is if they get their games taken away because they disobeyed. They believe that everyone is nice and good. It is refreshing.

I personally think that God gives us children so we can reclaim that innocence. He wants us to have that child-like faith. The world can harden us and force us to build walls around ourselves so no one can break through and hurt us again. A child has no walls because he wants to run free.

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27