Member-only story
I will do my best today to be of service to something larger than me.
I’m not talking about organized larger-than-mes out there (the Peace Corps, the Red Cross, the Salvation Army), although they’re perfectly worthy places to serve.
I’m talking about the larger-than-me organism of my marriage.
For instance, when was the last time I warmed some lavender coconut oil and rubbed her feet with it just before bed, instead of watching my own TV show in a different room while she read and eventually fell asleep?
When did I last decorate her placemat with a little sprig of green in a bud vase, instead of scrounging around for myself in the kitchen like a zombie, bored and listless?
When did I last give her my full attention during a story I already knew by heart?
I’m talking about the larger-than-me community of my family.
Really listening to my grandson, not performing for him. Looking for and hearing my daughter. My son-in-law. My sons. My friends. Asking questions, and then (this is so important) leaving space for the answers. And not even once trying to fix or spin it in a ‘good’ direction. This, too, is…
