My husband was leaving for a few days and we were talking about the mess…the shaking, falling, bruising, and stomping that happened underneath the olive tree and produced the finest of oils. All the mess had a purpose! But I had grown tired of it and feeling defeated had set everything aside. Trying to encourage, he stopped mid-sentence and said, “Let me show you!” Startled, I follow him to the dining room and he picked up my beautiful, olive wood, cutting board he gave me for Christmas. Grinning, he asked me what I saw when I looked at it. What gave the wood its beauty? I stated the obvious- the grain of the wood and markings stood out. It was the knots and gnarls that grabbed our attention. He was quick to inform me they also made it strong! And he should know since he works hard to chop wood to heat our home. The places hardest to split are those with the markings and beautiful knots.
In leaving for the next few days, he had given me things to ponder. The shaking, falling, bruising, and stomping were all necessary…they added character and beauty, and strengthened us. Things happened in our lives, we made choices, and how we responded would determine our purpose and future. He grinned and reminded me, in his not so subtle way; he thought I was beautiful and strong! He assured me I could handle the unknown, the next few weeks. With those words, he was gone…and I was left to consider the mess…the gnarls and knots. I reflected on my memories, the good and bad. And I kept writing!
I played Barbara Streisand duets for the next few days, sang along off-key with her leading men, and kept my Shadow company. He even followed me upstairs to sleep and protect! I sent snapshot photos to the kids and was harassed…they were never allowed to bring him up to their rooms when they were living at home. It was a quiet few days and in the midst of it, my leading man sent me pictures of dragonflies. He knows my heart and what they represent to me. It was God’s way of sending me a message …finish the task I set before you! I just wish I could have seen the faces of those who witnessed my husband bending low to take a few pictures of some glittering dragonflies. It makes me smile! The gnarls and knots, the mess, have been worth the coming beauty. And they have made me stronger. Remember your calling…consider the flight of the elegant dragonflies…and finish with poise!
I was cleaning, with Barbara singing in the background, when he came home on Friday. And he grinned; not one word needed to be said. He does a great imitation of her…not! I knew it was time to change the music before he burst into song. It had been a lonely few days of reflecting on memories… pondering the difficult and painful. Now, I could put it away and think about us. I was glad he was home and could help me re-frame! He has always had that way with me.
Ponder the memories and markings of your lives-
they add character, beauty, and strength.
Lily Mae
beautifully touching, God is pouring blessing upon blessing upon this hard wrestling that you are doing and the shaking falling bruising and stomping that is the process of making that fine oil that is of benefit for others ….like me….
Thank you, friend! And you do the same for me and others….so go forth and pour it out! You are making a difference where you are. Your PA friends miss you:))
I love your words ‘how we responded would determine our purpose and future.’ As usual, your insights make me think and fill my soul!