I’m in the kitchen and can hear the tears. I follow their sounds and find Olive crumpled at the feet of the stairs, folded into her arms sobbing. I sit down beside her knowing these brave tears: they are for her comforting routine, her once paci-turned-thumb-sucking habit that we’re trying to release. By this point, Olive and I have had several conversations about thumb-sucking. I’ve always been more relaxed about this topic, but the pacifier-turned-thumb-sucking has created a tongue thrust and is now affecting her speech. So we’re having to be more assertive, offering prizes for specified days she goes without her thumb. But it’s hard. And she’s grieving. I lean over toward her to comfort her and she stands turning away from me, “I just can’t talk about this right now.” Her hand is outstretched toward me, signing “stop.” And she walks away. Her words are not hostile or angry, just a request to be alone, and I listen.
I recently awoke in the night crying similar tears over the loss of my own comfort objects. Although the crying is occasional, the waking up tends to happen more often when I don’t give my thoughts enough space during the day. I tend to process internally, privately, slowly (whether I like it or not), and honestly, being in a household of ten people (six of them children) is not always conducive to such things. Still these “things”–whatever they are– buried deep within me demand to breathe. They need to be heard. And so there I was, awakened mid-sleep, listening to the questions and hurt and loss and doubt that often get swallowed in the day by bravery and courage and alert thinking–pouring out of me in tears. I do trust the Lord. I do believe. But life has felt so hard, so relentless, so impossible, and I hear myself whisper to Him: “do you really see? Have you forgotten?” Much like the hard, dry earth outdoors, I have forgotten relief. I have forgotten seasons. In all of my own efforts to endure, to have a good attitude, to be courageous, I had lost sight of the promises, of Him. I hear quietly, “I will never leave you or forsake you.”
Comments
“I remember my need and His provision.” thanks, bethany. He is our relief!:)
Yes. I love that we never stop learning this truth, that we could hear it over and over and still it would remain a revelation.
Thank you for this Bethany. I’ve been in a dry season for about a year, what with 50 hour work weeks + 15-20 hrs of studying for professional exams on top of that. As a fellow slow processor living a crowded life, I feel like I’ve forgotten how to dream, how to have wonder. Those moments where it all floods back to me are precious indeed. Praise God that he sustains.
Thank you for sharing, Stephanie. Yes, he does sustain. I hope you’ll find time to slow down a bit this weekend for some quiet. Blessings to you, friend.
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so much of this is true for me, but I’m reminded of the ways I try to help my clients give the things buried deep within space to breathe. it’s a risky thing to sit still and allow God to attend to our needs.
So true, friend. I’m having to learn that for myself, to trust and be free, to be still with the unknown. Thank you for sharing. Big hugs.
Hi Bethany. I knew the Douglass boys way back when in CC through Yorktown, and I remember you as well from TAMU. It’s okay, if you don’t remember me. It’s been years! I found your blog through in a roundabout way via FB. Anyway, I just want you to know that you are a beautiful, gifted writer. And your post today struck a chord with me. I too process internally and slowly. It’s comforting to know that others are experiencing similar, parallel droughts and doubts. Thank you for your bold honesty and authenticity. Blessing to you and your family! Tell Mark and Tim I say hello!
Of course, I remember you, Whitney! Thank you for sharing and for your many encouragements. Maybe our lives will cross again? xo
Beautiful Bethany…thank you.
Thank you, Teri. Hope to see you sometime soon!
This is good, sweet friend.
Ah, thank you, my dear. xo
We’ve not actually met but have several mutual friends through ComChurch. I have to say, this is beautiful and exactly what I needed to be reminded of today. Many blessings~
Lovely to meet you, Gretchen. Thank you for your sweet words and for stopping by here. I love that community of people and I’m sure our paths will cross at some point. Blessings to you.