Nothing but bitterness

2Samuel 2:26a

Abner called out to Joab, “Are we going to keep killing each other till doomsday? Don’t you know that nothing but bitterness will come from this?”

The question jumps out to me here: when is the time to throw in the towel? Here we have Israelites fighting each other. And the same thing happens in families, and in couples. The love two people once had doesn’t seem to be enough to sustain them through the conflicts and fighting, and bitterness takes its place. The relationship devolves into one of tension, sniping and ill will. There comes a time when there has to be a recognition that the relationship is no longer viable and, painful though it is to both parties, it’s time to let go and say goodbye. It’s often not the end, especially if there are children, but a sign that starts a transformation into a different kind of relationship. Hope suggests the possibility of a deep friendship that can still be recovered, but only if the fighting stops and the parties separate and begin to create their own lives. Then, if they are lucky, they may eventually be able to reconnect in a fresh way and enjoy the mutual interests that brought them together away from the heightened and disappointed expectations that marred their coupledom.

Prayer: Dear God, As I begin the path of walking away from this important relationship, I ask for your guidance and companionship on the path. Stay present with me; help me to move forward with tenderness and compassion for both of us. Give me your consolation, and the will to get up and let my light shine as you so call me. Amen.