Feeling Safe

What a lovely surprise, as I was recently cleaning up audio recordings on my phone, to hear my mother’s voice reciting the following poem. 

Though written over 160 years ago the words resonate today.

“Oh, the comfort— 

    the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person— 

    having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, 

    but pouring them all right out, 

    just as they are, 

    chaff and grain together; 

    certain that a faithful hand will take and sift them, 

    keep what is worth keeping, 

    and then with the breath of kindness blow the rest away.”

(Found in Dinah Maria Mulock Craik’s 1859 novel, A Life for a Life).

The words, and hearing my mother’s voice touched my heart.

Little did I realize, when I recorded her recitation, that within the year those words would be read at her funeral.

I have since thought about what it meant to her to put to memory those words, and the meaning those words have on me today.

I’ve asked myself,

Do others feel safe sharing their thoughts with me?

Do I recognize the heart’s intent behind the words?

Do I listen without judgment, and “with the breath of kindness blow” the chaff away?

It’s made me ponder what it means to be a faithful friend, and the blessing it is to feel safe.

Because I had that safety with my mother, I hope to be able to provide that comfort to others.

Oh, that we might all provide a kind, and generous haven for others!

Much love,