Better Than A Slurpy

“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.” Ephesians 5:26-27

Over the last 2 years I’ve developed a wonderful friendship with an older couple (Lindley and Judy) in there 70’s who are members of our church. Judy is proud woman but not in the sinful sense. She places a great priority on looking her best and being her best.

In recent years, Judy has battled numerous health problems. She has Lupus and has been in and out of hospitals on practically a weekly basis. Her health issues keep her from regularly attending church. When she’s able to come to Sunday morning worship, she rolls in in her motorized scooter with a smile on her face.

Life has not been any easier on Lindley. He is legally blind and his vision problems restrict his life in countless ways. He can’t drive a car but has become an expert at getting around by way of public transportation. He can’t read without a magnifying glass. He’s not very good at bargain shopping because he can’t read the prices. As you would imagine, there aren’t a lot of employers looking to hire a legally blind man in his 70’s. He’s currently employed by Center for Assisted Living. He does everything from giving tours to picking up trash.

You’d think that Judy and Lindley would be bitter people. They have a multitude of reasons to grumble and complain. They are just the opposite. They are a delight to be around–full of joy and thankfulness.

Last week I went to visit Judy in the hospital. She’d been confined to her hospital bed for 14 days. She was thrilled to see me. I sat down to visit with her and she began to gush. She gushed about her husband, Lindley. She went on and on about what a wonderful husband he is. She said, “he takes such amazing care of me.”

Yesterday, while I was on the road, I called Lindley to get an update on Judy. He thanked me and thanked me for paying her a visit. It truly was my privilege. Lindley told me that she was improving. He said, “a friend just gave me a ride over to the hospital to see her. I’ve brought her a “slurpy”. A slurpy? Wow! I hope Kendall will bring me slurpies when I’m 70. I could just picture the smile on Judy’s face as Lindley handed her the slurpy.

Lindley loves to love Judy. She’s his wife. He’s committed to her through thick and thin. The Lord Jesus loves to love us with an even greater love. If you are a Christian, then you are the bride of Christ and he is your bridegroom. He has pledged himself and his love to you totally and timelessly.
Christ promises us: “I will never leave you or forsake you. Nothing can separate you from my love.” This is why the gospel is such good news. Unlike Judy, we may not have health issues but we do have heart issues. We aren’t all that lovable but Jesus loves us anyway. Nothing could be more amazing!

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