No Scripture Verse Needed

I saw a rare example of love this morning. I was at an assisted living facility where I serve as a chaplain and was visiting with a man who was there to see his wife. She has been a resident at this place for around two years, and is suffering from an ailment that greatly reduces her mental and emotional abilities. Eventually it will take her life, and that day seems to be approaching quickly. As we talked he shared some pictures with me of better times, times that were not that long ago, and he was very grateful for the days that he and his wife were able to live, share with their sons, and experience the joys and blessings that sometimes we take for granted.

Now she is in hospice care, and sleeps most of the time, yet he comes every day to see her, care for her, as he has every day for the past two years. She recognizes him when she wakes up, smiles and appreciates him being there, but those moments are few now and very fleeting. Yet, this man comes each day, stays all day until the evening, and lovingly cares for his wife in the best way he knows how.

As we talked I could sense the burden in his soul, the unvoiced hurt of seeing his wife of more than sixty years in such a hurtful and weakened condition, and his own loneliness. He missed his wife.  But he still spoke of God's grace, His control in all things, and that somehow he finds strength and courage to "dig in" as he put it, and go forward and get things done that need to be done.

I was very deeply moved by the depth of his love and devotion to his wife who is in desperate need of his love and support.  Even though she may not realize her own surroundings or condition the majority of the time, he is there for her.  His love for her and commitment to care for her is not dependent on her acknowledgement.  He is there regardless. If there is a more fitting example of the love of God in Christ, I have yet to see it. This husbands life and love is a living scripture verse, and speaks more beautifully of the love of Jesus, than the most eloquent sermon.