June 21, 2006
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Now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13
Poet Archibald MacLeish says that love, like light, grows dearer towards the dark. This is what he calls the late, last wisdom of the afternoon. The same is true of our love for one another; it can indeed grow dearer as we age. I have seen it myself in two elderly friends.
Married for over 50 years, they are still very much in love. One is dying of pancreatic cancer; the other is dying of Parkinsons disease. Last week I saw Barbara lean over Claudes bed, kiss him, and whisper, I love you. Claude replied, Youre beautiful.
I thought of couples who have given up on their marriages, who are unwilling to endure through better or worse, sickness or health, poverty or wealth, and I am saddened for them. They will miss the kind of love my friends enjoy in their latter years.
I have watched Claude and Barbara over the years, and I know that deep faith in God, lifelong commitment, loyalty, and self-denying love are the dominant themes of their marriage. They have taught me that true love never gives up, it never fails. Theirs is the late, last wisdom of the afternoon, and it will continue to the end. May we express that same unfailing love to those who love us.
Bible in One Year: Bible in One Year: Esther 3-5; Acts 5:22-42
Good morning, Mayor - great post on enduring love!
Good first-day-of-summer, Rus! Hope you are staying busy, and that it's not too hot to work.
Thanks for our beautiful lesson from God's Word.
Very nice devotional today. Many of us at the finest are very lucky to have such wonderful devoted spouses.
And even to those who don't, because we are Christ's and Christ is of God and God is love, amen. Thank you for that wonderful devotion!