"It is in the shelter of each other that the people live." (Irish proverb.)
I am fond of noting, when watching a family or group of friends interact, that we rub off our rough edges upon each other, upon those we love the most. They see us at our truest, and often worst, points, as we see them at theirs. As we learn to live with one another, our rough edges meet in stress and upset, clashing against the rocks of who they are and who we are. Those we should be most careful with are those, who by the very nature of being in our lives to the degree that they are, must see our jagged borders and broken depths with the greatest frequency. We cut each other too often upon the shards of hurts and dreams, wants and needs. Hopefully, we help bandage such wounds, and cradle such hurts until they are healed. That is what intimacy is.
For not only do we rub off our rough edges upon each other, but in doing so, we create hollows and shelters within ourselves that those we love may seek refuge in. While being closely woven in marriage, familial ties or the companionable bonds of true friendship leaves us vulnerable to the turbulent waters of another's soul, it can also allow for access to the harbor of another's heart.
And in the shape of that harbor, we can see that we are loved, ragged edges, broken dreams and wounds included. In the shelter of being held as a treasure in the heart of another, be they spouse, parent, or friend, we can look past the turmoil of being made into mold of who the world expects you to be, and rest. We can feel safe and loved, just for being who we are, broken bits and all. In your relationships, seek to provide a space of welcome, acceptance and well-being for those you love, and endeavor to be as gentle as possible when rubbing your edges off upon another.
We all seek the shelter of others, we all need a refuge. Faith provides such a haven, and Christ bears the rubbing of our rough edges upon Himself with gentleness and forbearance; seeing us as we are, as we desire to be and knowing the struggle it takes us to move from the one state to the other. He opens His arms as a quiet place of peace for all who seek Him, knowing we cannot bear the turmoil and pressures of this world alone. He gives us rest like none other.
We're all journeying through this life....let us be harbors and sanctuaries for each other.
May you be blessed, my friends, and may you be a blessing unto others,
-Beth Haynes Butler
I am fond of noting, when watching a family or group of friends interact, that we rub off our rough edges upon each other, upon those we love the most. They see us at our truest, and often worst, points, as we see them at theirs. As we learn to live with one another, our rough edges meet in stress and upset, clashing against the rocks of who they are and who we are. Those we should be most careful with are those, who by the very nature of being in our lives to the degree that they are, must see our jagged borders and broken depths with the greatest frequency. We cut each other too often upon the shards of hurts and dreams, wants and needs. Hopefully, we help bandage such wounds, and cradle such hurts until they are healed. That is what intimacy is.
For not only do we rub off our rough edges upon each other, but in doing so, we create hollows and shelters within ourselves that those we love may seek refuge in. While being closely woven in marriage, familial ties or the companionable bonds of true friendship leaves us vulnerable to the turbulent waters of another's soul, it can also allow for access to the harbor of another's heart.
And in the shape of that harbor, we can see that we are loved, ragged edges, broken dreams and wounds included. In the shelter of being held as a treasure in the heart of another, be they spouse, parent, or friend, we can look past the turmoil of being made into mold of who the world expects you to be, and rest. We can feel safe and loved, just for being who we are, broken bits and all. In your relationships, seek to provide a space of welcome, acceptance and well-being for those you love, and endeavor to be as gentle as possible when rubbing your edges off upon another.
We all seek the shelter of others, we all need a refuge. Faith provides such a haven, and Christ bears the rubbing of our rough edges upon Himself with gentleness and forbearance; seeing us as we are, as we desire to be and knowing the struggle it takes us to move from the one state to the other. He opens His arms as a quiet place of peace for all who seek Him, knowing we cannot bear the turmoil and pressures of this world alone. He gives us rest like none other.
We're all journeying through this life....let us be harbors and sanctuaries for each other.
May you be blessed, my friends, and may you be a blessing unto others,
-Beth Haynes Butler
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