Love, Which Created Me, Is What I Am

by Tom Atwood
(for Riley and Ellen)

Life is not simple. I don't want to mislead you about that. Some people will try to break it down for you in terms of good and evil, right and wrong, black and white. I have found that things are usually on much more of a slope than that, especially as you are trying to find your way in the world.

When you were little, your mother and I urged you both to "be good." A good little boy, a good little girl. My advice for you now--as teenagers--is a little different. A little more complicated, but not much. I already know that you are good. Nothing you can do will change that. Goodness is in you, and everyone, because you are part of creation. God is in you. However, that doesn't mean you can't make mistakes. You are free to make mistakes. And the biggest mistake you can make is not to do something "bad," or to do something "wrong." Instead, the biggest mistake you can make (in my opinion) is to not see reality. What is reality? Read more...