Ruth Bell Graham

I am currently reading Billy Graham's autobiography, and I read this poem last night written by his late wife, Ruth Bell Graham. I think it expresses some beautiful and challenging aspects of marriage - particularly the feelings of a young bride and pastor's wife. Enjoy...

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 life;

a part of himself,

not the object--

his wife.

So--

love!