Sometimes the discussion swirling around you seems to have a recurring theme. I've learned to take notice. There is often a reason... or at least an opportunity to learn. In the last week several of my friends have raised conversations about the merits of finding, valuing and holding onto forever love... the gift of marriage... the joy of family. I suppose since I've lived life on both sides of the fence they are wondering about my perspective.
Married friends have wondered why. Why do people not see the indescribable gifts they miss in not having a family? Single friends have wondered what. What is it about being married that they really need amidst the already full days of their lives? Divorced friends have wondered how. How do they refrain from settling for the now... so that they can find the forever?
Coming from a girl who has spent her entire life focused on words... this is the moment when I cast them aside. I can fill hours and pages with words answering, or considering, these questions. We all can. It's the great story of life... this pursuit of true love. But the quiet answer lies in the when... when words are no longer required.
The irreplaceable, unmistakable, completing joy of a forever love comes when words fall away. It's when two people catch one another's eyes from across the room and smile with their entire selves. There is knowledge. It's when one hand extends, and one hand slips into it, and both hands interlock. There is unity. It's when after long hours and significant trials familiar arms wrap about and rest renews. There is partnership. It's when one glance evokes knowing, uncontainable laughter, while all else look on in wonder. There is joy. It's when one is weary and the other carries the load. There is perseverence. It's when one draws near to the other, placing a hand on their back, and the world sees... what the heart knows... this is a team... a unit... a match. There is completion. It's when entire thoughts are expressed, dreams are shared and history is relived without uttering a sound... yet both have expressed it all. You just know. There is one life. Words are no longer required.
So my answer to all of you who have shared these thoughts lately? My quiet reply? The treasure is in the when... when words are no longer required.
From my heart,
Susan
