ENDURING LOVE
As he shuffled his feet down the hallway, you could hear his back of 85 years crackle, and the familiar grunt of opening the acute rehab facility glass door, as he came to see his bride of over 60 years. Though she is in her last stage of dementia, she knew it was him. Their eyes met, and with a little glistening of a tear, she reached out for him…and then they kissed…it wasn't a peck, or just a hello…it was a lingering kiss that said “ thank God you’re here” to the one who knew and loved her the best. They have gone through the good times, the challenging times with all the kids, the job lay offs as a airline pilot, ALL the moves from one state to another…and now the last stage. This is what I call the enduring stage..the kind of love that stays to the very end…no matter the pain or sorrow. This has been my client of over two years and I have had the privilege to witness how the long-lasting love brings you the greatest joy…even during the hardest of circumstances. With the passing of Valentine’s Day, it was a reminder that true love isn’t all about chocolates and flowers, but of making decisions that say “I am with you, no matter how hard it gets”. But, this kind of love isn’t just romantic love. It is the love of an adult child who cares for their parent or sibling, the kind of love that interrupts their own lives, to care for them. It’s the kind of love that doesn’t give up on their wayward child when they find themselves having more sleepless nights than one person could withstand. It’s the love for your furry family member, that requires daily medicine, daily walks, daily cuddles, and lastly, when you have to say good bye for the last time. But, do you know the greatest enduring love story? Jesus. In Hebrews 12:2 it writes,”… For the JOY set before him he ENDURED the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Though he loved us, it was not reciprocated…even by his disciples…they left him to suffer on the cross by himself. But Jesus loved us to the end, hanging on the cross, because He knew that his death was the only way to the Father…to eternal life. Firstly, I want to appauld those of you who have shown your loved ones what enduring love looks like. And for those of you who need that kind of love, look to Jesus. He may not have given you red roses or a Hallmark card this Valentine’s Day, but instead he’s given you the greatest love…his enduring love that will be with you, with us, for eternity…thank you Jesus for not giving up on us…