“Cherish is the word I use….”
by Elouise
I, Elouise, take you, D….
To love, honor and cherish….
Cherish is the word I use
To complain as in
You don’t have a clue
How to cherish me
Not to his face but
Behind his back
As though I have
Something to hide
Keep under control
Lest it run free
Down dark alleys
I lurk in the shadows
Ache to be cherished
Scream silently
Slam a door
Not-so-silently
Lest it seem I’m fine
I am neither fine nor happy
God forbid I should be happy
I have this weight to carry
Called uncherished goods
Don’t you see it?
***
I know how to keep myself neat and clean, brush my teeth and wash my hair, prepare and eat healthy food that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, clean up a kitchen, get Christmas Eve candlewax off my clothes, clean my eyeglasses every day, do the laundry and fold all the clothes (mine, that is).
This is exhausting. It takes at least 24 hours a day. I take breaks. But the (sometimes breathtakingly brief) breaks are the exception that proves my point: I don’t know how to cherish myself.
I long to be cherished. Not because someone named D is letting me down or isn’t cherishing me enough. No. This is about me.
Too much cherishing would be bad for my spiritual, emotional or even physical health! Turn me into a softy. Limp and unproductive! Besides, don’t you know someone has to make sure the universe doesn’t tip into chaos?
Since my mostly internal blowup a few days ago, I’ve been practicing “cherish.” It’s a strange thing, cherish.
Small doses are never enough. Large doses are downright scary. I want to hide. I don’t deserve this. I’m too old to be cherished. What do I do if I get dependent on you? Who will cherish me when you’re gone?
Indeed. Who will?
Good morning, Elouise.
How about a bowl full of ‘cherish’? The kind that takes your beautiful self seriously. Maybe you’ve forgotten that a man named Jesus cares enough to follow you into the hidden recesses of your heart and mind for one purpose only: to cherish you! All he asks in return is that you love, honor and cherish God, yourself as God’s beloved daughter-child, and your neighbors.
Here, have a second serving! I have more than enough to go around.
© Elouise Renich Fraser, 6 January 2016
Image from martynballestero.com
It seems to me that cherishing is good for us, reminding us that we are loved. And the energy of love allows us to do more, and do that in the right way.
I always remember somewhere reading that unless we do a thing sincerely, there is no point doing it. And, that the smallest act of love is worthwhile.
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Yes, the smallest act of love! Thanks Fran. The little things make up the fabric of the big stuff. And set us free to cherish others.
Elouise
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Thank you for this. My aging congregation has a number of women who I believe would resonate deeply with this. This insight is helpful!
And Elouise, you are deeply cherished by at least one student who hadn’t found his voice yet, but was all too willing to spout off. You truly helped me through those years and I think many others would agree.
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You’re very kind, David. Thanks so much for the comment and affirmation. I loved it!
Elouise
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Now I’m singing the song…what a joy. Excellent post Elouise and just so you know, you are the first post I’m reading out of 357. You are so very special and loved. I cherish you💜 And your insights and truth. Peace, K
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What an honor! Thank you, Kim, for your heartwarming comment! That song sticks like glue, doesn’t it? I love the 1960s recording–such incredible harmony. Just wondering now how you get through 357 posts. I’m so grateful for your friendship. It’s beyond wonderful to be cherished. 🙂
Elouise
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Going to try, up to four hundred now. A whirlwind week at work, catching up,after being off for almost three weeks, then yesterday we found we are finally getting the sold sign for the house so now to packing, downsizing and getting ready for a 1300 mile move with two dogs and a cat. Craziness. I love the sixties and seventies genre music, harmonies were incomparable to these days. John Denver is a huge fave of mine, but I love it all. Have an amazing day Elouise, peace and love and good things.Kim
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So many of us readers cherish… YOU, Elouise! Happy New Year 🙂
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Thank you, Christy. It’s so good to hear from you! I wish you nothing but the best in the new year!
Elouise
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