There is a little rabbinical teaching tale about a man who complains bitterly of his in-laws living with him and his wife. The wise rabbi has him bring first all the chickens, then the goats, then the cows, and finally the horses into his house, as if it were a groaning Noah's Ark. Then, when the man is absolutely hysterical, the rabbi has him remove the horses . . . things are better already! By the time it's only the in-laws again, the man thinks he's living in Paradise.
In just this way, my husband's bout of severe illness (weakness, helplessness, confusion) after we got back from Russia, which seems to be over for now, has served a purpose. All the little chores that used to drive me nuts now seem like luxuries, and I do them with a light heart and a cheerful attitude, which is certainly better for him.
Who is the rabbi who imposed this lesson on me?
You are a much stronger woman in both body and spirit than I am to be able to cope with so much.
Posted by: Donna B. | October 01, 2005 at 02:05 PM
God gives us what we need when we need it. Thank God they flew the coop!!
Think you'll miss the eggs?? :)
Posted by: karen | October 01, 2005 at 02:28 PM
Excellent question, Karen.
Posted by: amba | October 01, 2005 at 02:31 PM
Donna -- physical strength, maybe (all that karate is good for something), but in spirit, you'd be surprised -- if you have to do something, you can, even if not always as well as you might wish.
Posted by: amba | October 01, 2005 at 08:53 PM
So true Amba.
Posted by: nappy40 | October 02, 2005 at 08:26 PM