A State of Grace...

I like it when I feel close to my husband.  While that may sound odd and especially awkward to say in print, it takes effort and intent to create a constant state of intimacy (IN TO ME YOU SEE).   When I first became a wife, I think I took it for granted because it was easier in the newness of our marriage and without kids in the house.  I'm not just speaking of sex, because I believe kids need to see their parents being intimate or at the very least affectionate...which leads to a deeper intimacy.  I understand what couples mean when they say, "my husband/wife is my best friend".  There is a relationship of implicit trust.  So when I'm talking about my family issues or about girlfriends who have hurt my feelings, I know he'll hear me, challenge me to be okay, and lastly roll his eyes and lament about girls and their feelings....all without judgement.  I do love my husband as a person and I love being married to him.   THANK GOD FOR THE SACRED UNION AND MAY IT THRIVE EVEN IN THE MOST DIFFICULT OF TIMES.

It was warm enough today, 77 in December, to go back outside and run.  I dusted off the old jogger stroller and Grace and I hit the road.  We got a late start because we were just enjoying getting a slow start to the day.  I say "Grace, are you ready to put on some clothes?"  She looks at me with pouty eyes and says "No, I don't want to go to the Y".  Well, that's our place on a regular basis, and she usually asks me if we're going. So, I heard and honored that.  I then say "do you want to go to the lake for our exercise".  She says, and I chuckle as I write this, "In a little bit".  Where did this old child come from?  I know what you're thinking....her old momma.  

Watched a DVR episode of Oprah's Next Chapter with Bette Midler and Valerie Simpson of Ashford and Simpson.  In the latter half of the show, Oprah interviewed Simpson in the New York brownstone that she's lived in for over 30 years.  It was nice but modest, and in New York, I'm sure it would sell for a lot more today than what they paid for it back then.  What really struck me is how content she seemed in her little patio garden where she talked about her recently deceased husband.  She talked about missing him and having the rug pulled from under her when he died.  Her daughters joined her and they seemed cohesive and as content as any three women could be after losing a man they all loved dearly in their own way for as long as they each had.  I was moved by Ashford and Simpson's work together when he was alive and by her passion for him even in his absence.  SEE PARAGRAPH 1:o)

In spite of and because of the things in this life, I aim for a constant state of Grace...and it's not of myself...it's a gift from God.