FOODFORTHOUGHT

"The Total Woman" (excerpts)

Charlie came home one Friday afternoon with a scowl on his face. I
could tell it had been one of those days. We were invited out to
dinner that evening, so I was cherry and effervescent. Refusing to
allow him to dampen that evening, I chatted lightly. He glowered at
me and then acted as if I weren't even in the room. Since there was
no reason for him to be mad at me, I began to feel irritated. I
finally quit trying to be nice, and we dressed in silence.

On the way to the party, I sat as close to my car door as I could,
hurt by the icy barrier between us.

About then we arrived at the party and, putting on the masks of
society, gaily exuded, "Hi, how are you? We're just fine." Each
couple seemed extremely fine and bright as they came in and I
wondered if they were all mad at each other, too.

We didn't say two words to each other at the party, but on the way
home, I thought to myself, "Wait a minute, what's happening
here? We're civilized Americans and we're both over twenty-one. We
shouldn't be acting like little kids. Charlie's had a bad day at the
office, and he needs my love now more than ever." I said softly to
him, "You've had a busy day and this has been such a hectic
season. It's just caught up with both of us."

That little remark seemed to release the pressure and Charlie began
to talk. Out tumbled all the thoughts that had been swirling around
inside him. I was ecstatic to discover again that "A soft answer
turns away wrath." Furthermore, that soft answer set the tone for
the next day. Charlie announced at breakfast, "I feel such love for
my fellow man this morning!" By talking out his frustrations the
night before he now felt understood. He was full of love, eager to
pour out into the world..

* DEAR LORD, thank you for healing my hurting hurt. Because I offered
love, You took my pain and gave me life anew and made me whole. How
wonderful is your grace. Thank you, Lord, for Your gift of
communication so I could faithfully show my love to my spouse and my
family.

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