At the top of the list
of things I hate to be told
is,
“Let the boys do that.”
One of the reasons I love writing is that it is a medium for simultaneous expression and learning. While I haven’t been present much online for a while (aside from posting pictures of my new cake-decorating hobby on Instagram, haha), I’m definitely in a season of learning.
I wrote a poem, oh, more than four years ago now, called “Let the Boys Do That.” This poem was an expression of my girlish heart from adolescence through my twenties. It is still a part of me.
But in life, sometimes you learn things that open your eyes to something deeper under the surface than you were aware of. A new thought was on my heart, and I decided it was time to reprise this poem.
A rose
wrapped in thorns
is the loneliest flower.
It is to the world's shame
that your lips
never learned
to speak affection
tender as your heart
as the rose's petal.
The slightest touch
can bruise its rich velvet,
yet the bruises release
the sweetest perfume.
When the tongue is bound,
actions speak.
You and I,
we never learned
that our weakness was
precious,
cherished,
Beloved.
I wrapped myself in
self-sufficiency
in self-sufficiency
I reject
the only way
you know how to say
You love me.
If I let you,
even when I can do it myself,
and you listen,
even when it's
dresses-flowers-pretty paper,
maybe we can learn
each other's tongues and
shake off our thorns
and let ourselves
be Seen.
It’s beautiful and terrifying, how much there always is to learn in life. Especially when it comes to other people. I’m thankful for the friends and dear ones who are patient with me in this season of growth and uncertainty that I find myself in. I’m thankful that God helps me have open eyes to see the goodness and love in those around me (when I stop fighting Him, at least).
I know the prevailing messages many of us hear are that we need to expect love to look a certain way. 100% we should not accept maltreatment, contempt, or abuse in any form. AND, often I think I miss out on the love others offer me because my eyes are too blind to see how they are expressing it.
May we look at those around us with eyes and hearts to understand. May we cherish each other’s weaknesses and strengths, and learn to be gentle with each other.