“I know I am less likely to respond to others with kindness and grace when I am tired or hungry, and especially when I am hurting. In fact, I am most likely to be short-tempered and irritated, looking to blame or for a reason to justify my own hurt and weakness. But how does Jesus respond? He simply says to the one who is there, hanging with him: ‘Today you will be with me in paradise.’” –Nancy Almquist, Fruit of the Vine

Query: When you have nothing left to offer, does the Spirit help you continue to show love?

Instead we are two women watching.

The witnesses on his hillside, steady,

eyes open through the cold nights

and stormy days, unflinching,

steadfast,

borrowing the strength

of women through time,

standing by their men,

saying, yes, you are leaving,

and we are not.

We’ll hold your last threads,

the faint wisps of your soul,

until the wind blows just enough.

–Peg Edera, from “Now That You Are Home” in Love Is Deeper Than Distance