Tuesday, March 13, 2007

You okay?



"One of the secrets to a happy marriage is remembering the source of our joy, which is not one another. The source of our joy is the Lord. Yes, we share tons of joyous moments, but we don't expect, let alone demand, endless joy-filled moments from each other. "
~ Liz Curtis Higgs ~
from the devotional: Rise and Shine


She smiles weakly as he walks in the door and though she is business as usual, he can sense she's not herself.

"You okay?" he asks, wrapping her in his arms.

"Yep," she whispers in his ear.

He knows from experience that when it's really bad the question alone will bring the tears, so for this time he accepts her answer, understanding she is working hard to push through it. He gives her space and permission to process on her own. He doesn't need her to be happy to be fulfilled in this home. He knows God's work in people can be painful sometimes so he stays close, but doesn't interfere. And he never quits asking.

"You okay?"

Those two little words mean the world to her. He has noticed her pain and that is all she needs right now. There are no lectures, no interrogations, only his gentle way of saying, "I'm here." She thanks God for a husband who is attentive and available, without expectations.

"You okay?"

It is acceptance of who she is and where she's at. It is mercy. It is offering himself with no strings attached. It is love.



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9 comments:

Susannah said...

This is lovely. I hope you're describing your own marriage. If so, bravo. I like Liz Curtis Higgs quote too. It's a three-way chord isn't it? ~)

Miriam Pauline said...

Beautiful post. Thank you for sharing!

Denise said...

This is so very beautiful, bless you.

Kara Bird said...

What a great definition. Those words mean so much. LOVE this post Tami. Thanks for sharing. I agree, it's beautiful. :)

~Kara

Delete said...

Tami, you brought tears to my eyes. That was so simply and beautifully written. Thank you for taking the time to post.

Jennifer

Darlene Schacht said...

I can remember that same interaction with my husband. That acceptance is a wonderful expression of love.

Lisa @ The Preacher's Wife said...

What a precious image...loved this..

Crystal said...

What an awesome post...
Thanks for sharing
Blessings

Janis Rodgers said...

Beautiful post. Thanks for sharing. Blessings!