Column Post by Lisa Easterling
1- I love doing for others, but what I don’t often reveal is how much I long to know that what I do is appreciated.
2- Whether or not my official love language is “Quality Time” or “Acts of Service”, when you take the time to do something for me, you tell me you love me in a way that goes beyond words.
3- I realize I’m not yet an “old lady”, but sometimes I feel like one. I still need to know that I have value in this world beyond making dinner for a crowd and then cleaning up alone after the party.
4- I am free with showing affection, but sometimes I just need a random hug from someone who cares. Please don’t assume my ready smile means everything is perfect. Do you love me enough to listen for what others can’t hear?
5- I hate the hormonal fluctuations that come with my age. I really am doing all I can to make myself less grouchy and irritable, and when you understand and love me anyway, you bless me.
6- Guilt is not a weapon I purposely wield against people who love me. You will never know how much I keep to myself, how often my pillow is the only witness to a sadness I probably couldn’t even word.
7- I am not invincible. I will not always be here, and I don’t often mention it—partly for fear of the guilt factor, and partly because I don’t want to face my own mortality. Please don’t wait until the end to whisper your heart in tones of regret. Love on me now, while we can still smile and cry together.
8- I worry too much because my love is not surface-deep. It is not my goal to be melodramatic or draw attention to myself or annoy those I fret over. Remember, I’ve been around a while and have experienced things you can’t readily imagine. There’s a lot to mull over in the middle of the night when I can’t go back to sleep.
9- I want to know that while my children are all grown up my nest will never be truly empty. It took years to build, and it’s plenty strong enough to hold up when everyone’s around.
10- I am so much more than what you see. If you take a moment in your busyness to look a little deeper, you’ll see that I am still the girl I once was—still pretty, still vibrant, still energetic, still talented, still valuable to the world. Don’t miss me now. Please. I’m right here.
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P.S. We’d love to know your thoughts, so please be sure to comment below. Each of our commenters will be entered in a drawing for our current FREE book giveaway, Mothers & Daughters: Mending a Strained Relationship by author Teena Stewart.
Lisa Easterling is a lifelong resident of the Tampa Bay area alongside her husband Steve, five children, and two grandchildren. A pioneer for home education in Florida, she has served in various areas of Christian ministry for the past 32 years. Lisa is a lifelong writer, editor, creative writing coach, and Site Director for Write Where It Hurts. Her favorite place to write is near the ocean, and she particularly loves helping others to fall in love with words. Lisa blogs at www.lisaeasterling.com and can be reached by following @writepraylove on Twitter or emailing blue@lisaeasterling.com.
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I take your words as proof that every woman/wife/mother shares the same heart to love and serve, as well as the same desire to be appreciated/loved in return. thank you
Veronica, there is something heartwarming about knowing others feel the same way we feel. It is a sisterhood of the heart, and I am glad to be among such beautiful company.
Lisa, You summed up pretty much how I fell also! Thanks for putting it in writing.
You are so welcome, Loretta. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.
This made me cry. I finally found some real truth that I’m not totally hormonal and in need of a visit to the local mental institution. 🙂 Is there a way to shoe husbands and children without them thinking I’m “guilt-tripping” them? Seems like even when I try to communicate my needs, I am still left with unmet needs and the distinct feeling that I’m not appreciated and that everything I do is my “job.” Thank you!