Friday, November 7, 2008

Love

I have been away for a couple weeks; immersed in somebody else's life; attempting to minister to others in their pain. I tried to be my most loving self each step of the way - but I faltered. A couple times our differences got in the way; and it pained us both when we realized this. Part of me thought I had failed at what I had set out to do; but in hindsight I see that is not so.

I was turning the pages of my daily calendar this morning and two readings jumped out and grabbed my attention.

The first one read: "Even the best spouse or parent or child or friend can't love you with complete, unselfish love. That is available only from God."

The second one read: "Love is simply absolute commitment."

Remaining committed to your long term goal - even when your differences get in the way - even when your injured feelings surface - even when your wounds from the past are creating waves - that IS love.

9 comments:

Wollf Howlsatmoon said...

One fine day a farmer's donkey fell into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out when to do. Finally, he decided the animal was old and the well needed to be covered anyway. And it was going to be too much work to try to retrieve the donkey.
He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone's amazement, he quieted down.
A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well. He was astonished at what he saw. With each shovel of dirt that fell on top of the donkey, he would shake it off and take a step. Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off.
You see, life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up.

Just thought you'd like it....

Rambling Rose said...

Thanks, my friend. I must admit that I have been a little bit somber the last day or two - a little bit melancholy - even feeling a little bit sorry for myself. This delightful tale was just what I needed to shake myself off and begin pulling myself out of the doldrums.

Message to DW: I remembered to light a candle and send prayers the other weekend.

Wollf Howlsatmoon said...

Hiatus Over........Get back to work PWW.

Your words are sorely missed.
Wollf

Rose said...

Happy New Year, Rose.

(it's not often I meet another Rose.)

DammitWomann said...

Hey Rose - Happy New Year !

I keep checking on you, but nothing new. Time to catch us all up on your doings. I miss sharing stories with you, too.

Rambling Rose said...

So nice to hear from you. I spent the last three weeks in the hospital - just got home two days ago. I'm just getting caught up on Christmas presents that were not wrapped or delivered. A lot has happened in the last two-three months. I will try to start writing about it. Thanks for letting me know somebody is still interested - sometimes that is all it takes. Love and Best Wishes to you and yours for the new year.

DammitWomann said...

Well, you better share all the gory details Rose. I've been worried, as have others. You have been missed.....Actually, I've gone thru withdrawals from not hearing from or about you. Glad you are home and, hopefully, healed and healthy.

Blessings to you my friend!

Rambling Rose said...

Thanks Rose - I hope this year is kind to you.

Thanks, Howlsatmoon. I seem to not be able to write while I am living through those "trying" times. It is only after I get it sorted out in my mind - when my heart stops breaking - that I can begin to reflect on some of what I have experienced.

Yes, the hiatus is truly over. And now that I know people are interested, I will begin to share some of it.

Rambling Rose said...

Dear DW, you may regret those words. I will work on sharing the gory details of my growing pains - a little bit at a time.