Last week I took my mother to her appointment with the ophthalmologist in preparation for upcoming cataract surgery. While we were waiting our turn, a cute little lady around my mother's age, I'd guess, came in alone and had a seat. In no time, the attendant called her back to see the doctor. Some short time later a cute little man, also around my mother's age, came in alone, greeting us with a really chipper "Good morning! How are you folks doing?" We exchanged the usual pleasantries as I edged slightly closer to my mother to protect her from one who might be a widower looking for a companion. I know you're probably thinking, "So what if he was", but this is my mother, and you can't be too careful! Our new friend stood, turning first one way then another, looking around a small, nearly square office, which I thought odd. At last he said, "I let a little lady ride up here with me to the doctor's office this morning. Have you seen her?" As I told him there were already a couple of ladies who had been called back, he described his wife with a twinkle in his eye and said he'd better just stick with her. "I don't want to cause any trouble here this morning!" Soon my mother was called back, and he and I chatted briefly as we waited. What a happy couple I had the pleasure of seeing. When his wife came out shortly, he asked about her visit and helped her place those lovely shades over her glasses, you know the ones you sometimes wear out of the doctor's office when your eyes are dilated. He grabbed her coat, helped her into it, gave her a quick hug, and off they went with a chipper, "You folks have a nice day, and I hope your mother's visit goes well." As I saw these simple acts of love between this husband and wife, all familiar, all genuine, and all so sweet, I prayed that my husband and I will get to enjoy the later years of our life together with such familiarity and sweetness. I asked God to bless those two with many more years together. And, by the way, I also asked God to forgive me for thinking bad thoughts about such a happy, pleasant little man who was just spreading a little of his joy with others.
Let's revisit 1 Corinthians 13:1-8a:
Let's revisit 1 Corinthians 13:1-8a:
And now I will show you the most excellent way. If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails.
Dear Loving Father, thank you for love, the love of our husbands and wives, the love of our families and friends, the love of our brothers and sisters in Christ, and most especially Your love, O Lord. Remind us that you chose us, that you chose to lavish this unfailing love on us. Help us to live the most excellent way and show Your love today. We make this our prayer in the name of the greatest of all loves, Jesus Christ. Amen.
