07 November 2017

Lima Bean Soup // Raw Veggies and Raw Emotions















The short rains are upon us in this land straddling the equator
A season when the soil’s dust suddenly becomes sticky mud
A season of gorgeous greens in the midst of dreary grayness and cold

Raindrops falling and splashing on the soil, on the dust
Release plant oils into the air, with a drip, drop
Creating an earthy aroma - petrichor
Named for the fluid flowing from the veins of Greek gods

















But this was a rare sunny day, blue sky, white puffy clouds
A day to stay home, to step out of the traffic
A day to catch up on housework, laundry
A day to cook and bake














It became a day to catch up on my thoughts
I chop raw veggies, as raw emotions are released
Mucous falls on the cutting board














The soup ingredients simmer and then they boil
Just like the heartbreaks of life
Emotions which had been simmering
Suddenly boil over
Forcing themselves to the forefront of my mind, my heart













I allow the tears to boil over
As I release the emotions
Fluid flows from my eyes and down my face

On this sunny day
My tears replace the rain
I embrace the weight of my grief
Allowing my emotions free expression













A pleasant earthy aroma wafts through the house
An enticing fragrance

The soup has been well seasoned
A mixture of things that grew from the earth
That came out of the soil, the dust












I worship you, my God
An earthy incense aroma fills my home
May my worship be a sweet fragrance to your nostrils

I write in my tear-stained journal
Knowing that you collect my tears in a bottle













You and I, my friend, we feasted on mbuzi choma - roasted goat
We ate enthusiastically, with much pleasure
You shared your story with me
And we unknowingly exchanged gifts

You thanked me for a patient and listening ear
With no forced advice
Now I thank you for a life's lesson from a teacher
Live life to the fullest
Live life with no fear

We were friends for a brief season
From different sides of the globe
Brought together, not randomly
But ordained by Almighty God

When you left the soil of this earth
So, so suddenly
You immediately entered the arms of Jesus
In that, I do find comfort and relief














Seasons come and seasons go
Earth to earth
Dust to dust
Farewell my friend, fare thee well

- - - -

There is a season (a time appointed) for everything,
      a time for every delight, event, or purpose under heaven. 
A time to be born and a time to die;
      a time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted. 
~ Ecclesiastes 3:1-3 

Dust (out of which God made mankind’s body)
      will return to the earth as it was,
      and the spirit will return to God who gave it. 
~ Ecclesiastes 12:7 

4 comments:

Unknown said...

Beautifully written and shared.

Anonymous said...

I agree with Naomi that it was beautifully written and shared. I will keep you in my prayers as you grieve, dear one. God bless!
Sharon R.

Anonymous said...

I love this blog piece. It is so true. I find myself doing the same thing, at certain times. It just comes boiling over and spilling out.
I am praying for you and for all those that loved your friend. Kathy C.

Anonymous said...

I know everyone has an appointed time. As believers, we are only pilgrims and sojourners passing through to our true home. One would think that knowing and expecting these things would lessen the shock and grief when it happens. I think we go through each day with the subconscious thought that the ones we love will still be there tomorrow and the next day and the next. We know it will be someday... just not today.

I look at all the ways God prepared us before the tragedies that have befallen us. Small things, that over time, built a fortress of faith that is still being built. It is said that there are two constants in the universe: God and change.
Isn't it wonderful that God who is sovereign over change... changes not. :)
Kathy C.