They were married for 40 years or 14600 days, give and take a few. Most of them were good days but some were not so good. Most were joyful but a few were also sad. Once in a while they had issues they found hard to forget and occasionally they said things they regret.
Today, once again, was one of those forget-me-soon days. Everything started innocently, and then he said something that she did not like. Soon, everything was dragged out of context.
On their faces, the stonewall façades, dismay chiselled an image of anger and pride. Deep down however, where only Jesus could see, a muddy feeling of wretchedness settled down. Both suddenly felt they’ve had enough of this marriage.
Then they heard the words of Jesus as His hand soothed and covered their hearts. “My children, let Me remind you of days long ago before you were married, but wanted to though.”
“If I wanted you to be married to Phil, you would have been called Mrs Jane Summers today. If I wanted you to be married to Rose, she would have been Mrs Rose Wyatt today. I did not want that. I gave you what you desired, Mr and Mrs Thom and Jane Wyatt. I saw you together and it pleased Me. I saw your children long before they were born. I also saw today.”
“Both of you came to Me then and both asked Me for a partner in life. I gave you your blessings and you became husband and wife. “
“You were happy. Your life together was music to My ears and in the course of time your children came along. Why do you doubt now and why do you cry?”
“I am not crying, Lord!” Thom said.
“Oh yes you are, Thom. On the inside a river of tears are flooding its banks.”
Jane looked at Thom in surprise. She thought he didn’t care.
“Yes, Jane, Thom cares just as much for you as you are caring for him.”
“I want you to look at each other through the same eyes when you met for the first time. Your bodies may have changed but on the inside, your beautiful spirits remained almost untouched.”
“Clean the slate and take her hand, Thom. Wipe your eyes and look back at him, Jane, smile!”
“If you want to leave him… you are free to go! If you think you don’t love her anymore… you are free to let her go! Remember though, I’ll be hurt more than you will ever know, because together you are one beautiful couple with the emphasis on ONE.”
They sat in silence for a long while, and then Jane said, “I don’t want to go.”
In the embrace that followed, Thom whispered in her ear, “I am sorry for what I’ve said! I love you too much to let you go.”