The Heart Will Adjust

Many of you are in the same boat as I, that is, your husband works a lot, or you move around every few years, and perhaps you have even "given up" your career to support his. We know the rewards of mothering. I am not negating our choices.  Perhaps life is not what we imagined all those years ago.

When I read this poem about being a supportive wife, it touched my heart.  See if you like it. And then see who the author is! She had to say many good-byes to her husband as he built his career and supported their family.

Love
without clinging;
cry--
if you must--
but privately cry;
the heart will adjust
to the newness of loving
in practical ways:
cleaning
and cooking
and sorting out clothes,
all say, "I love you",
when lovingly done.


So--
love
without clinging,
cry--
if you must--
but privately cry;
the heart will adjust
to the length of his stride,
the song he is singing,
the trail he must ride,
the tensions that make him
the man that he is,
the world he must face,
the life that is his.

So--
love
without clinging,
cry--
if you must--
but privately cry;
the heart will adjust
to being the heart,
not the forefront of his life,
a part of himself,
not the object--
his wife.

So--
love!


Written by Mrs. Ruth Bell Graham, wife of evangelist Rev. Billy Graham, when they were newlyweds.