Hard Times Happen

I know someone going through a hard time. He’s irritable, over reactive, and difficult to be around. That’s grief talking, I remind myself, And my love expands like an umbrella in a downpour.

I know someone going through a hard time. She’s moody and over-the-top dramatic. That’s teen angst talking, I remind myself,
And my love settles and steadies like a faithful friend.

I know someone going through a hard time. She’s emotional, fidgety, and anxious. That’s fear talking, I remind myself, And my love whispers to her like a calming prayer.

I know someone going through a hard time. He’s slow, repetitive, and forgetful. That’s growing old talking, I remind myself, And my love supports him like a great oak tree.

I know someone going through a hard time. She’s awkward and sassy. That’s hormones talking, I remind myself, And my love endures like a worn pair of blue jeans.

I know someone going through a hard time. He’s irritable, defensive, and angry. That’s depression talking, I remind myself. And my love breaks through the clouds and warms his face.

It’s not easy to respond when I want to retreat, To forgive when I want to freak out, To detect when I want to dictate, To bite my tongue when I want to bite back.

But when I do, love does the talking. And when love speaks, Peace is felt. Healing begins. Miracles happen in front of us and within us. It’s a beautiful way to begin a new season.

Let’s begin.

© Rachel Macy Stafford 2017