True Love!

A few weeks ago I was out of town and decided to stop at the local Wal-Mart. I had been on the hunt for a particular item for several weeks and figured I might as well stop and check out yet one more store.

On the way in I noticed an elderly couple coming out. The lady stopped and rested her head on the cart handle and the husband stood by waiting for her and looking slightly anxious. I walked a few steps past them then turned around to see if I could be of any help. Another shopper coming out of the store had noticed them and done the same. Since I had not made any purchases and she was on the way to her car with a cartful of them, we agreed I would offer assistance and she could finish her errands.

I asked the gentleman if he would like me to stay with his wife while he went to get the car and he was most appreciative. While he was gone, his wife and I chatted. She had a lovely potted flower in her cart and we talked about it’s color and type and how beautiful it was. She said she didn’t know what had happened to her, she just got really tired. She was so pleasant and had a radiant smile. I told her it would be just a few minutes then her ride would arrive and she could rest. She said, “Oh, do I have a ride? I didn’t know.” She again spoke of getting tired and how silly she thought it was that had happened. When I announced her husband was here with the car she said, “Is that right? I don’t remember? Who is it? Is that him?” All the while she was smiling, happy and making her way to the car. I helped her in and her husband made sure she was secure.

As we loaded their few purchases in the back of the vehicle, he told me she had dementia. That day was their 54th wedding anniversary and he had brought her shopping to pick out a flower and some chocolate. He had given her roses which were at home and their son would be stopping by later that night.

I felt myself getting emotional and knew the water works were about to start so I tried to divert my thoughts a bit and offered him my very sincere congratulations remarking on how rare it is for people to stay married that long anymore. He was as pleasant as his wife and thanked me for my help.

As they drove away, my heart was bursting. Here was a man who was celebrating a milestone with his wife even though she didn’t know it. He could have skipped the roses, stayed home and never said a word. But he didn’t. He expressed his love and made her day special even though she didn’t realize he was doing it and would not remember that it had been done. I had seen true love in action in a most wonderful way! There was enough love between them that he continued to shower her with gifts and care even when she didn’t know who he was. She didn’t know they had spent 54 years together but he did – and it mattered.

Jesus loves us like that. He loved us first (I John 4:19). He gave to us first and gave more than we ever can (John 3:16). He keeps His promises and says we are the apple of His eye (Zechariah 2:8).

I would have loved to grow old with my Handsome. Would we be cranky with each other? Would he be bald and would I wear housecoats a lot?!  Would we still laugh with, as well as at, each other? Would there still be a sparkle when we looked at each other? Would we celebrate our milestones even if one of us didn’t know we had reached one?

Don’t waste the time you have to love. Love wholeheartedly. And don’t waste the time you have to let Jesus love you and take care of you. You’re only living half the life He intended if you live it without Him.

“I love you people
 with a love that will last forever.
 That is why I have continued
 showing you kindness.” Jeremiah 31:3