The sorting hat in Harry Potter is an interesting image. The hat sees into the person and determines where they will fit best in the school. I’ve watched coin machines work through bags of coins, putting each coin in its proper place and thought it would be convenient if we humans could do something like that, easier than all the trial and error we normally go through. Hardship or tragedy sometimes operate like a sorting hat because it reveals the true qualities of a person to themselves and to those around them.

Tragedy can clear away so much confusion. It can cause people to sort between their true and supposed priorities and grasp hold of the ones that are near and dear to their hearts. It can show the true character of a person beyond all the pretenses and affectations. It can prove some people and establish that what they say is what they mean and do. It can also show when they play fast and loose with the truth, pushing appearance over reality.

We all need friends to walk with us, regardless of what the sorting of hardship shows about us. We need friends when we are true blue. We need friends even more when we find we are extremely slack in our values and maturity. I don’t believe any of us would survive to find maturity without the sacrifice of those who have to endure us when we aren’t. It is important to realize the sacrifice of those who care for us and to express it to them.

Our hardships also sort those around us and show us who loves us beyond convenience and self benefit. Their generosity is not only our greatest joy, but a proof of God. Jesus is that Devine point of best and worst. Man was at his worst, attempting to kill God for interfering with our control. Jesus gave Himself as the liaison between perfect love and perfect selfishness. He is proof.