love without clinging

Hi lovelies. One of my favorite writers is Ruth Bell Graham. I treasure her words and thoughts as if my own Grandmother would be speaking them to me. I came across this poem that a young Ruth wrote to herself as Billy Graham's wife. More than a poem, or even words to herself, I believe this to be an encouragement to those women who are wives... wives to husbands that are given to studies, career, ministry or what not. I dedicate this post to all the wives in my life who love deeply, cry often, and pray fervently for their husbands.

photo credit

Love
without clinging;
cry
if you must—
but privately cry;
the heart will adjust
to the newness of loving
in practical ways:
cleaning
and cooking
and sorting out clothes,
all say, “I love you,”
when lovingly done.

So—
love
without clinging;
cry—
if you must—
but privately cry;
the heart will adjust
to the length of his stride,
the song he is singing,
the trail he must ride,
the tensions that make him
the man that he is,
the world he must face,
the life that is his.

So
love
without clinging;
cry—
if you must—
but privately cry;
the heart will adjust
to being the heart,
not the forefront of life;
a part of himself,
not the object—
his wife.

So—
love!

sentence tuesday

It is a foolish woman who expects her husband to be to her that which only Jesus Christ Himself can be: always ready to forgive, totally understanding, unendingly patient, invariably tender and loving, unfailing in every area, anticipating every need, and making more than adequate provision. 
-Ruth Bell Graham