Ephesians 5:33b: And the wife should respect her husband.
Respect is his primary need, his deepest desire.

I Put My Followers First

Sunday, March 07, 2010

In The Thicket of My Thought

I woke this morning reviewing the past few weeks of tender mercies, blessings and outright miracles.   I wondered if the word "few" (as in "few days") was an accurate measurement of this latest endeavor.  With a little review I quickly discovered that I had designed my first "respect card" on Friday, February 19, 2010.
 
Hold on for a moment.  I have to go look at the calendar.
 
That was sixteen days ago.  


I am sure that I alone am not capable of such achievement.  For two weeks - it has only been two weeks - I have worked nearly sixteen hour days and my body and mind have been no worse off than when I worked eight.  I have risen from bed early and retired late nearly every one of those days.  The conversation, affection and intimacy in my marriage has been enlivened.  I have spent countless hours conversing with my mother - which are as a frequent refueling of my determination and capacity to continue.   Even my dog has been getting a walk with me nearly every day.  The strength of my body has been restored and my satisfaction has been as a cup spilling over.

As my mind reviewed the past, a poem that has recited itself in my head from time to time over the course of nearly 40 years appeared on my heart.  For much of my life the frequent echoes of this poem  were a mystery and then a taunting or tease that defined the distance I had yet to grow.   Today it sings in my soul as my personal anthem:

GRACE

Though God, God only, can create,
I till and weed, and then I wait,
And in the thicket of my thought
Bloom flowers that I never wrought.
I stand in wonder and behold
Beauty I never sowed unfold,
Visions of faith, insights of love,
Truths that I had no forethought of.
Somehow there is in me yet more
Than I myself might settle for,
A faith that brings perfection out
Past my own powers. I have no doubt
One day all unexpectedly
The rose of Christ shall bloom in me.

James Dillet Freeman


One day - all unexpectedly . . . .

One day was February 19, 2010 and every day since.  I am so grateful, unspeakably grateful for so many things today.


4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Not bad article, but I really miss that you didn't express your opinion, but ok you just have different approach

Anonymous said...

I'm looking forward to getting more information about this topic, don't worry about negative opinions.

Sharon Cohen said...

It would appear that the first "Anonymous" poster (from Wednesday, March 10) was disappointed that I have not shared my opinion in this blog post.

This is not an opinion piece. This piece is celebratory.

It is a celebration of the tender mercies of a loving God. It is gratitude for the inspirations that have flooded my mind and heart as this project has progressed. And, most of all, it is reverence and awe at the realization that God would share His approval so openly and generously.

Sharon Cohen said...

Anonymous Poster #2 (Saturday, March 13).

Thank you for reading and for posting. I plan to write much, much more on the topic of respect for husbands. I am currently constrained by time. I continue to work a full-time job until going on lay-off status mid-April.

Until then, keep an eye on the cards at www.zazzle.com/heartensoul4u*

I will continue to build the inventory. There is much to be learned in the sentiments and the comments for each card.

Can I get an Amen?