Weekly Thought – September 13, 2016
Fred and Mary Alice were married for 67 years. A few weeks before her death, she reached her hand through the rails on her hospital bed to hold his. She leaned over and said, “You are a good looking boy!” The love lasted.
Loving and Living
Love creates an environment that strengthens the will to live. Love brings joy to our lives even when there is little to make us rejoice. We appreciate being loved so much that we sometimes forget the responsibility that comes with being loved. Those who love us want us to live, not die. We often talk about pursuing a life worth living, and I am convinced understanding the value of love is a tremendous part of that endeavor. Many tell me I am too strong-willed to die, but I believe the realization I can contribute and I am loved gives me purpose.
Doctors say that many old people who “die of natural causes” really die of loneliness. Current medical research shows we can literally die of broken hearts. Conversely, studies show people who receive care and prayer tend to live longer and richer lives than those who don’t.
Just as God’s greatest gift to us is His love, so our greatest gift to one another should be our love for others – and for Him. Love does not need to be earned; it is given. It should be freely received. And so, no matter how incapacitated we are, we can still experience being loved – and giving love.
Love is the strongest sustaining emotion we can feel. Acts of love are as important as words of love. One of my favorite times at the end of the day is when daughter Brenda comes in, pats me on the arm, kisses me on the forehead, and says, “I will see you in the morning,” When I was pronounced “dying,” by my doctors she said, “No, I will take him home and he will live.” That is exactly what happened. There is power in love.
Even though my bride of 67 years is now in heaven, I still celebrate Valentine’s Day – for her. When she died I realized she created a stronger magnetic draw toward heaven. I decided that when I die I don’t want my children and other family members to feel loss because they need me, but to know they love me. That is the best there is.
This week think about: 1) Who needs to hear “I love you” this week? 2) What makes me feel loved? 3) How sure am I that God loves me?
Words of Wisdom: “And so, no matter how incapacitated we are, we can still experience being loved – and giving love.”
Wisdom from the Word: “We love because he loved us first.” (1 John 4:19 NET Bible)