Florida--August 2012
I wake up in the morning overwhelmed with gratitude. How awesome to have a partner on this journey. When all this health stuff came down the real meaning of partnership rose to the surface. Suddenly Sandy had to take over every area of our lives. I realized that we are really in this together. The strength of our relationship became even more obvious. We are so connected that if I want to know how I feel, all I have to do is ask Sandy. If I’m exhausted, she’s exhausted; if my back hurts, same with her. The emotional connection is so strong, it’s almost scary. How she walks the fine line between taking care of me and not treating me like an invalid child is masterful.
We have our little tiffs but because of our commitment to our spiritual life and our partnership we can actually pause and reevaluate our positions. What an incredible gift. So many times she is coming from the east and I’m coming from the west that you think we would be used to it. As we maneuver for position and struggle to hang on, we discover that many times we are headed for the same place. This has taken practice and a willingness to stand on the beach when the cannibals seem to be pouring out of the jungle. My first thought is, I have to FLEE!
Together we have discovered that it is just the lie trying to freeze us into immobility. It happens in every area of our lives, from choosing what to have for dinner, to collaboration in our art work; we have to negotiate in everything. We have a wonderful way to start our day, we make our bed together. It may sound funny but this can seem like a life threatening situation, even so we have to cooperate to get it done. So many times we start our day with a laugh at ourselves and the spiritual principles are much easier to practice.
To be blessed with such an awesome partner, to have someone to help me keep the crossroads in sight, to have someone to help keep the lie from owning our days is the most wonderful gift imaginable. I implore you to be the gift with your partner. Make every effort to never criticize, fault-find, or blame. Never say something you can’t take back. Always encourage, compliment, appreciate or praise. If I can’t say something positive, why don’t I just shut up. There is always a way to be the gift.
God bless you, I love you,
Bill