“Love each other deeply, because love covers over a
multitude of sins." ~ 1
Peter 4:8
Kathryn woke filled with
energy. She jumped off her bed smiling
and singing. Today wasn’t like any other;
he called last night. They talked
into the wee hours, until he summoned the courage to ask her out on a
date. Today would be amazing!
At 28, Jack’s mood seemed strangely unfamiliar – like at the
end of a dream - you're falling, but know you won’t get hurt. Even so, fear rushed his senses like a sand
storm. How would he handle periods of
awkward silence? Should he dress casual
or more formal? Would she prefer flowers
or chocolates? When did dating become so
complicated, he thought to himself?
Kathryn left work a little early to get ready. “I’m deliriously happy!” she told herself as
she got dressed. Blond hair pulled back
off her forehead projected a slightly ‘sassy' look. A black dress simply cut and not too short
made her look like a fashion model. Hair
perfect; make-up just right. Kathryn
considered texting him but decided against it and kept the excitement for
herself.
Jack literally ran out of his office, rushing to his
destination. It should have been a
fifteen minute walk. He made it in
nine. Along the way, he’d smiled at
everybody – the street beggar, the souvenir seller, even the patrolman handing
out parking tickets. He felt like a
teenager again.
Kathryn waited in the restaurant’s doorway as he arrived short
of breath. She looked beautiful - just
the way he remembered her when they separated two years ago after only a few
short years of marriage.
Her smile immediately produced fleshy goose bumps. Jack greeted her with a warm embrace that
said “You’re gorgeous!” Kathryn’s heart fluttered
like butterfly wings.
They dined and chatted for almost four hours. Despite the melodic roar of voices all around
them, they seemed completely alone in their own cocoon. Catching up . . . making up.
Before they parted company, Kathryn handed Jack a large
envelope with nearly two dozen love letters she’d written him over the past 2
years. A note on the front read,
“Letters I was too stubborn to send you.”
His kiss assured her that he’d call again – soon!
Walking away, Jack chuckled to himself. Pastor Bob had tried to talk them out of
marrying each other years before. He
suggested that their selfishness would be a huge challenge to a happy marriage. Pastor was right, but they were in love and married
anyway.
Tonight fate had given them another chance. They are both still too stubborn to ever give
up on each other, and too selfish to ever let their love for each other slip
away. A second chance at their first loves!
Sweet Jesus, You were the ultimate example
of commitment - selflessly loving all humanity with a deep, unconditional love
that eventually lead to Your death. Help
me bury my foolish pride and love as You do.
Amen
