Bounty

photo by H&Co

some days feel so heavy, laughter seems an offense

but laughter needs to live and breathe with tears

they are not opposites; they are vital parts of abundant living

i weep and wonder at others not weeping

yet the child’s desire to play her game is real and good

and the teen’s world—a whole world—is valid and true

and the laundry is there, dinner needs making

life and work race on

all the precious people peopling

some show great care

some say nothing

either way, they weren’t there

you can’t be mad they’re not locking knowing eyes with you

so much in your raw heart hurts

and the light shines into the kitchen in a beautiful way

your nine-year-old says something funny

a smile breaks across your face

tears still brimming

and you let it be

all of it

the laughter, the pain, the beauty, the loneliness

you are swimming in

the heart of Jesus