Swinging to the Rhythm of His Hum

The bump sprang up from nowhere, joining its countless companions on the road. One of my left feet just had to catch it. What a klutz I am! Mark’s hand came out to rescue me yet again. And this time, he didn’t let go. My hand swung back and forth to the rhythm of his hum as we continued with the boys on our journey home. 

A dusty road stretched before us. Few people were in view and very little moved, save two young calves and ourselves. Finally, Mark’s voice broke the stillness. “I love you, wife!” he declared in Toposa, smiling down at me.

Lopua and Lorot’s ears perked up. They glanced curiously at this ekapolon (“boss man”) who had no shame in proclaiming his love for a woman, even in front of other men. Lopua grinned and shook his head, grabbing Mark’s other hand (perfectly acceptable in the culture). 

“Hai, Olayo!” he exclaimed, clicking his tongue. “You really love your woman!”

“He that gets a wife gets a good thing,” he smiled at the boys. “And Darah isn’t just my wife; she’s the best of my friends.” He looked down and winked at me. Then, noticing my purse was becoming heavy on my shoulder, he quietly slipped it off and put it on his own.

“Whey!” Lorot said, shaking his head and chuckling. “Olayo!”

A proud blush stole across my face as I watched the boys gawking at the man by my side. Talk about culture shock. A Toposa husband would sooner take a burden from his own shoulders and put it on his wife’s than to even think of trying to relieve her burden.

“My husband is a real man,” I said, using a Toposa phrase to emphasize true manhood. “He doesn’t listen to what his culture says when it comes to loving his wife. He listens to what God says.”

The boys nodded their heads, pensive expressions taking the place of their grins.

“And how does God tell us to love our wives?” Mark asked the single men.

Silence. They observed the passing ground beneath them while pondering the question. 

After a moment, Lopua returned his gaze with confidence. “Ephesians 5, Marko. God says you must love your wife as Christ loves the Church.”

Mark squeezed the boy’s hand in affirmation. “And that’s a job NO man can do without God’s help,” he smiled. “Obeying it will keep us in prayer for the rest of our lives, my friend. And it will keep you growing closer to the One you’re trying to be like. This makes God VERY happy.”

Dear Mr. Olayo,

This makes your wife very happy, too. :-)

Happy Birthday, Hoss!!