Walking the path

(2-minute read)

I love my wife. Why? I don’t know; I just do. I can tell you why I like her or admire her. I have reasons for those, but love seems so irrational. This August, we will have been married 56 years. You would think that I would be able to answer that question of why.

About a year and a half ago, I was in the room with my wife, and suddenly, my brain felt like it was beginning to shut down, and I became worried that I was having a stroke or something. As it progressed, I started thinking I might be dying. Since I care for the household finances, I worried my wife, Jo, wouldn’t know what to do. On top of the dead body in the living room, she would have the problem of not knowing where the money is to pay for anything. Feeling like I only had a few seconds left, I asked, “Do you know where the passwords are?”

“Yes,” she answered.

Although relieved, it occurred to me that those could be rather stupid last words, but I was worried about what she would do if I was suddenly gone. I was also concerned about her being alone. I don’t think she would do well alone. But as far as last words go, “Do you know where the passwords are?” is better than, “Bring a date to the funeral.” Fortunately, I didn’t die and get another shot at those last words.

It occurs to me that on the occasions when I feel that I am in the presence of the Lord, I have an overwhelming sense that God loves me. I don’t mean God loves people or the world; I know God loves me in particular. I suppose that everybody in the Lord’s presence feels the same. The fact that God loves me is proof enough that love is irrational. I don’t understand it, but it’s on a much higher level than reasoning. The crazy thing is our whole world is based on it. It’s the reason behind creation. Why else would God give us free will? Love requires free will. None of the spiritual things work without love. God even tells us that.

God could have been a mean, judgmental, slave-driving master, and he would still be God. Fortunately, he isn’t that way at all. God is love. It overshadows everything else that he is. I like it. Actually, I love it.