An excerpt from
Someone Stronger...
Reinhart: Do you think that's why you aren't, well, mourning for Harold very much?
Edna Mae: I honestly don't know. (after a beat; working through a new thought) It's as if there are tides in the body that have an ebb and flow--like the ocean's tides. Through most of our lives they go up and down, just like the ocean. Sometimes we're drawn closer to God; sometimes closer to people here, and things on earth. But as we grow older, the tides change. You don't notice it at first, but then one day you realize that you care more about the life after, than life now. The Spirit seems to work you steadily along toward God, until you eventually reach a point where He becomes more important than anything--or anyone--else. Maybe I've reached the point where things here on earth--even important things like friendships and family--have now become secondary to things of God.
Reinhart: Is that where you're finding your comfort?
Edna Mae (with a shrug): It's just the way it is. I've reached the point where I don't need so much comfort. The Spirit of God has become such a part of me that I no longer feel the need to reach out to Him for help. (with intensity; explaining an admittedly odd concept) He's in my veins, moving through every part of me.
Reinhart (after a pause; philosophically): When you're younger, you seem to lurch forward in life from one crisis to another. Living seems to consist of survival--surviving between the peaks and valleys. In the valleys, you reach out to God for help; on the peaks, you think you don't need Him.
Edna Mae (excitedly): And what I'm saying, is that some people who live with God for a long time reach a point where the peaks and valleys level out to a consistent, higher place. Not even more righteous or good, just steadily closer to God. (pause) Don't get me wrong, Reinhart. I miss Harold terribly. I'd give just about anything to have him back with me.
Reinhart: I believe you. I knew him.
Edna Mae (perhaps for the first time displaying obvious regret): Better than having him back, I wish I'd gone with him. How perfect it would have been to enter our rest together.
From the One-act, Someone Stronger
