“Love believes, hopes, and endures all things." ~ 1 Corinthians 13:7
They dined there 3 or 4 times a
week for, well I don’t know for sure how long, but probably since the eatery
sold subs for only 69 cents. Maybe it was the casual atmosphere or the
highly-stacked, slow-roasted, beef
sandwiches.
There are delis all across America that pile them a foot
high with a variety of meats. But do they serve curly fries? Do they have
delicious milkshakes? Umm... no!
Could it be they chose Arby’s as their go-to spot because
they were the first fast-food restaurant to offer a lighter menu (1991) with
fewer than 300 calories or that they banned smoking in all their locations
(1994) before anyone else?
We’re unknowingly surrounded by great love stories every
day, whether it’s a couple you briefly see on the bus or the pair beside you in
a restaurant. But, while Fred and Janice appeared to be out just for a meal, there
was a lot more to their story. So, I watched and listened.
They found a familiar booth near the window. I wondered if
they might sit across from each other.
Fred spoke quietly. “Damn!” he uttered, “I forgot
my hearing aids again. I better sit over next to you dear, or I won’t be able
to hear you.”
Janice replied tenderly: “Fred, I saw you put your
hearing aids in! If you want to sit next to me, just say so.”
He unwrapped a plain sandwich and carefully cut it in half,
placing one half in front of Janice. She then carefully counted out the curly
fries, dividing them into two piles. They took turns sipping from a drink with
two straws and savored the meal over light chatter.
When it was time to leave, Fred
emptied the trash, but not before addressing Arby’s staff. “Please make a
reservation for Valentine’s Day for us. We want to make sure we get our
favorite spot again,” he teased.
Too precious! I was curious, so I returned about the same
time on February 14th. Sure enough, I found them seated at the same
table. But this time it was decorated for the occasion.
Janice smiled and shared a note that had been left for them.
“To share a deep love and bond that only grows as we age is one of the most
beautiful things on earth. Thank you for gracing our place with your presence!”
~ signed ‘The Arby’s Staff’
The thought of two people demonstrating such tenderness is
heart-melting at any age, but this special moment reminds us that no matter how
old we get, we have plenty of little ways to show each other how much we care.
Almighty Father, help me to be the
[husband/wife] You intended me to be. Show me where I need to improve. Help me
to be a better communicator, help me to love my spouse better, and help us both
to grow closer to You every day. Amen
