Two Things Can Be True

I look out one window and see hurricane-like rain and wind pelting the glass. I look skeptically at a tree in the yard; if this keeps up, I give it low odds of surviving the night. “Oh boy, we’re definitely in for it.” Then I step into another room, look out the window, and see blazing sunshine. It’s just a typical summer day in the neighborhood.

Really. I’m not making this up. Same house, two different weather patterns outside.

Two contradictory things can be true at the same time.

A person can be terrible for society—robbing, cheating, and causing chaos like Bonnie and Clyde on a multi-state tirade—while still being kind and loyal to others.

A parent can be completely exhausted and desperate for an hour of quiet, while loving their children beyond measure.

And you can be deeply grieving the loss of a loved one while at the very same time experiencing moments of genuine joy and gratitude for life.

Two contradictory things can be true at the same time.

A leader can be incredibly tough and rigid, demanding absolute perfection, while caring deeply about the personal well-being of his or her team.

You can accept and love yourself exactly as you are—imperfections, writing errors, and human flaws included—while actively working every day to grow and improve.

A friend jokes that he wants complete independence, yet he secretly craves deep connection.

Life is full of paradoxes like that. It’s a challenge, but it’s what makes us human.

Two contradictory things can be true at the same time.

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42 thoughts on “Two Things Can Be True”

  2. Absolutely! It’s funny that you’re describing the weather in your area because the same thing happens here. So many times, I’ve witnessed the contrast between severe weather on one side of our metro area and sunny skies on the other. It also reminds me of when I was growing up and would see the rain band coming toward me, while I tried to outrun the rain. Wonderful paradoxes indeed.

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  5. Unfortunately, our leader didn’t get that memo. Sigh.

    But you’re right. If I may break out a fancy phrase, these examples are sort of along the lines of quantum superposition, which you’re familiar with if you’ have’ve ever heard of Schrödinger’s cat and the whole both alive and dead paradox.

    OK, enough science-ing for me. I need to go back into my writing lane and stay there.

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  9. I totally felt this when you described the weather. We can be driving around the island and it’s raining and then all of a sudden it’s like we cross an invisible line and it is just gone and the sun is out. Crazy.

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  10. This makes me think of when I fantasized about being off for the summer during my teaching career, and yet since my wife worked year round, I felt guilty after a couple of days of rest. Most years I had a summer painting business, which was a nice change for a couple of months but got old quickly.

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    1. I have to bring this up with my wife, Pete. I need to know if she feels guilty for having the summer off. Ha, ha, she likes to give me a hard time for waking her up when she’s off and I have to get up for work. She likes to tease me that I’m especially loud during the summer. I don’t think I am . . . but maybe I’ve got some repressed jealousy. Ha, ha. Thanks Pete for your comment.

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  11. Looking out one window to a storm and another to sunshine is such a vivid picture for how life works! The reminder that we can love ourselves as we are while still working to grow is something I think everyone needs to hear. Wonderful, grounded perspective as always, Brian!

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      1. Aren’t we all a little crazy? 😄 Honestly, recognizing the craziness while still pushing to grow is as grounded as it gets! Keeping that sense of humor along the way makes the whole journey so much better. Wishing you a wonderful, peaceful, and joyful week ahead, Brian!

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  12. Life and humans are full of contradictions and those juxtapositions of opposites are both fascinating and puzzling. I’d say this is often true for family members too!

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  15. Yes, two things can be true at the same time. So many people miss that and I struggle with it myself especially in family dynamics (and with Christmas party invitations already being sent out).

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  16. So true Brian. It makes life interesting and challenging. Holding two opposing emotions is something we have to give ourselves permission to do as in grief and joy. Love your message here. Hugs, C

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  17. I think one of the quieter signs of maturity is learning not to force every experience into either/or. We can carry sorrow and gratitude, weakness and courage, questions and faith in the same heart without one making the other less genuine. Even Scripture speaks of being “sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing” (2 Corinthians 6:10). Some truths are not contradictions that need to be resolved; they are tensions we learn to hold. Life rarely gives us only one window to look through, and wisdom may be recognizing that the storm outside one does not make the sunshine outside the other any less real.

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