seventy times seven

"how often shall i forgive?” the disciple asked jesus. “seven times?” the disciple thought they were being generous, perhaps. to tolerate the same insult, the same unfair rebuke, the same unacceptable behaviour seven times, and forgive. surely a good person. “seventy times seven” quips jesus... and no doubt then a few more.

to share your life with another is a joy and a responsibility. today, as we mark our seventh wedding anniversary, i recall the many times that bronwyn has forgiven me. no doubt often it has been for the same unreasonable behaviour that i have displayed before. i am glad she has chosen not to stop forgiving at seven. bronwyn returned to work today, but the last ten days that she has been ill have reminded me again that life is beautiful and fragile. maybe in our next year i will start to learn to find more joy in simplicity, more fulfilment in routine as well as in novelty. perhaps i will begin by acknowledging my addiction to mental stimulation. perhaps we will learn to be together more, and feel the need to do together less.

thank you bronwyn, my love, for our last seven years. and here's to sixty-nine times seven more, or so...