Monday through Friday we pretend
We pretend that Daddy’s just at work
We get up and eat breakfast
Go to school and work and lunch
As the late afternoon lull creeps in
I glance at the clock before I remember
He isn’t coming tonight
I breathe deep. Weary.
Make dinner, chauffeur
Take baths, read books, say prayers
 
When the house is finally quiet
The loneliness begins to hum
I can turn to the television
Or a book or the screens
Or to Words of Life

If only I would choose the Word!
For when I do
I still feel lonely, but I’m not alone
I still feel weary, but
Silent strength pools beneath me
I can stop pretending and accept
I am here for this now
I am by grace enough
That my weak invites His strength
That I press close to Christ
Not celebrating the loneliness
but embracing it
~suelarkins weems ’12

Happy sixteenth anniversary to my sailor at sea. Love and miss you!