The Beauty in Embracing Duality – Katrien Daelman

Fully embracing the dualities of life, highs and lows, is the secret to a content life, the apostle Paul tells us. 

As I was listening to my sisters from across Quebec on the See Hear Love show, the depth of their responses to the unprecedented times we are living in struck me. I reckon that their growing up in a bilingual environment, where they learned to navigate and celebrate the cultural richness of two worldviews has contributed to their inspiring way of being. I walked away from our conversation feeling refreshed in the ability to reconcile the paradoxes of such a time as this.

Amidst a global lockdown and the appearance of isolation, I’m encouraged to pursue community in renewed and innovative ways. 

As our revisited schedules put the spotlight on the household, I’m coming to terms with the reality that home has its own share of burdensome needs. Unknown sides of myself come to the surface, as if stifled for too long by the busyness of the outside. Yes, home is where the heart is. Beautiful and ugly. And there is grace for both. 

While so much in our lives has come to an abrupt stop, I’m learning to not run away from this “forced Sabbath” and to welcome a spirit of restfulness. Sabbath, after all, means “to stop”. 

In a disrupted environment, where continuing day-to-day affairs is complex and challenging, if not straight-out impossible, I celebrate the rediscovery of simplicity. I celebrate being pruned from the unnecessary and unfruitful rhythms and priorities I have so often uncritically copied from our weary world. 

I sensed no yearning to go back to the old ways in our discussions. No rushing headlong into a wishful future that none of us has any control over. What I felt was collective thankfulness to God for the freedom He gives us: freedom from fear of anything that doesn’t fit our boxes. We truly can face anything through Him who strengthens us.