This is a bit long, and maybe it's a stretch to put it here for busy people.
I preface this by saying to all us busy people: Take time to notice the people around you!
Every Sunday, he waits for her and
his face lights up when she comes through the door.
She smiles sweetly and takes her
place next to him in the very front pew.
All during the service, he holds
her hand like it’s the most precious object in the world. She never pulls it
away. In fact, she seems to savor his touch and long for it as much as he clearly
longs for hers.
I watch and see tangible
tenderness.
I wonder what their parents would
think if they saw them together!
“It will never last,” I imagine
them saying. Something in this weekly meeting strikes me as a couple that shares
a secret.
He inclines his whole body towards his
Juliet, and with his legs crossed, his knees leaning toward hers, it’s as if a
physical longing to be with her overcomes him.
Their heads tilt, shoulders rounded,
and their bodies form a heart as they sit there.
I can see them easily from my seat
in the choir. They never notice me because their eyes are only for each other. Ever
attentive, he leans closer at every movement she makes, and I imagine that if
he could get any closer, he would. This hour of prayer seems to be their most
precious hour of the week.
Oh! Would that more people
exhibited such a passionate love! Even if it is in the front pew of a church!
He helps her with the song sheet.
He observes her unabashedly as she closes her eyes. He appears eager to meet her every need, and
starts if she makes the slightest movement. When everyone stands for the Our
Father, they remain seated, absorbed in a love that reaches out to the hands of
the people on either side.
St. Francis of Assisi is credited with saying, “Preach the
Gospel always, and sometimes use words.” This crosses my mind as I observe them.
As the final hymn plays, he hands
her his handkerchief, and I am reminded of the old fashioned flirtatious ploy
of a woman dropping her hankie to get the attention of a suitor. He gives her a
token of his undying love, I conclude.
They aren’t the first ones to
leave. In fact I must wait extra long in my seat with the choir to watch their
parting. Oh, I can see it will be sad!
He stands slowly, and shuffles very
deliberately to the back of her wheel chair. He unlocks the break, and they
head to the door. A caregiver from the
assisted living home where she resides is waiting at the door. He will go home
alone.
Great lover were visible in church
this morning. Perhaps the great love in the broken bread is what keeps the
couple going, providing nourishment for them all week long.
Give thanks for the signs of love all around you. And have a great week!
