Enjoying the Simple Things

I must say, life, in many ways, has become much simpler since Don's illness. A day trip is an absolute delight. Grandchildren, children, family and friends bring untold joy. A beautiful sunset dazzles and delights. And our love for each other, many times, can't even be expressed.

I spoke in our church for a few minutes one Sunday morning a few weeks ago before a friend sang my anthem, Praise Him in This Storm. I was amazed, even baffled, at the number of precious ladies who came up to me later and confessed that they had never loved their husband the way I seemed to love Don. May I confess to you that I haven't always loved him like I do now? Maybe it takes going through hardships together - being there for each other. Maybe it comes when you know someone really needs you, needs you even to survive. It comes when you covenant together to work through the hard times. Never giving up. Expressing your love for each other in every area of life - not just in bed. Who knows? Maybe we would have grown to love each other wholeheartedly without our mistakes and blunders and sorrows and stumblings. Doesn't matter. Our devotion to each other is almost tangible at this point in our lives.

Why do I love him?
He makes me feel safe. Even now, when he can no longer physically protect me.
He makes me feel secure. I know he's been faithful through thick and thin.
He makes me feel beautiful. Even older women like to think they're attractive.
I see the love when he looks at me with those ever-beautiful brown eyes.
I hear the love when he thanks me for the little things I must do for him on a daily basis.
I feel the love when he's sitting in his powerchair and gently reaches over to take my hand.
And I could probably go on and on.

We work together. We play together. We laugh together. We cry together. We enjoy life. We value what we have. Yep, I think it's safe to say we're in it for the long haul. Sometimes, the simple things in life bring the most joy.