If I was to be fully, completely, and unequivocally truthful about everything then you would know that more often than not I have no clue what Cherry is going to do. You might be tempted to believe something different because we have been married for over twenty three years, fought through some difficult times, and faced obstacles that destroyed other relationships. However, the quiet fact is that I still cannot readily anticipate her actions. I have gotten fairly confident in how Cherry responds, but the future is totally blank. This isn’t all bad news!
As I reflect on what it is going to be like to be home in thirty hours, twenty minutes, and fifteen seconds if all things go according to schedule, I am already wondering what things will be like. There will be stories to listen to and discussions for sharing. There will be catching up and getting in sync processes that never quite seem to work the same way. Mail will be waiting as well as a play with opposite scripts for Mollie and the cats to follow. In the midst of this chaos and uncertainty will be Cherry; reasonably calm, able to anticipate the crisis that always seem to develop, and steady as a rock.
Wisdom was right. Even though I am the one traveling “she’s like a trading ship that sails to faraway places and brings back exotic surprises.” (Proverbs 31.14) Instead of things that fade Cherry brings gifts of love, relationship, kindness, acceptance, and understanding. She is there when everyone is falling apart. She is the anchor that makes sure we all have what we need. She is the person we all turn to when we need a friend. Do I have any idea of how lucky I am?
There is another who sits quietly this morning with an offer of relationship, mercy, and compassion. Some know him more personally, yet the Spirit and the Divine as one are waiting and ready for all. Nothing separates; not time, distance, or history. Do I have any idea how lucky I am?
