Illness can offer marriage its
share of challenges, but it also
gives us a chance to serve.
Laura shares.
“This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us” (1 John 4:10-12).
She stood greeting the visitors, making them feel welcomed, like they were guests in her own home. She hugged each, used their names, asked about health; as if they were more important than the circumstances that brought them to her that cold, autumn afternoon.
If we did not know any better, we could imagine ourselves feeling similar to the thousands of children taught how to read more proficiently during her elementary school teaching career. She welcomed each child like they were her own, loved, educated, and made them feel like they were worthwhile–sometimes when no one else in their lives bothered.
And now on this particular Friday afternoon, she stood at the entrance-way as her husband was nearby. The love was palatable between them as she talked of their life together, how he was a good, good man, fought hard, but was tired. Tired of the cancer that had overtaken his body this last time and could not be overcome.
But as he laid in his beautiful coffin–adorned with plaques depicting his role as a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather–one thing stood out in that funeral home: The love between these two people far reached death.
They had a bond that was not broken. Her eyes glistened while talking of his heart and spirit, his love for her and their family.
Illness entered their lives years earlier but they continued to live; holding on to their faith in God and loving one another.
It is a challenge for all of us to remember to live, despite our challenges. To love, to show kindness, despite our trials.
Life throws everyone of us trials we deal with; crosses to bear. This couple remembered to love each other regardless of what else occurred in their lives. That is a tremendous testimony to their love and their God.
Prayer: Dear Lord, life is fragile. Bless this beautiful family who is grieving. Help us all to appreciate and love the people in our lives and strengthen our relationships despite our challenges. In Your name. Amen.
About the author:
Laura Seil Ruszczyk lives in New York with her husband and three kids. She retired from her job as an elementary school counselor in 2012. She feels blessed to have witnessed the love she has written about in this devotional.
What can you do to keep your relationships strong?
This is a beautiful video about marriage from the movie Fireproof.
-Lisa
Wow, this devotional touched my heart so much! I’m thinking of this special couple. They inspire me to want to live as they lived. To remember that when we lean upon our Lord that He will enable us to love and serve each other. I’m also thinking about how the wife received the trials she was given with such grace. So touching how she was welcoming each person to the funeral, hugging them, calling them by name, asking about their lives. Amazing! I want to be like them when I grow up! (I’m 58) LOL!!
Cindy, thank you for writing and sharing your thoughts. Blessings. Laura
Im scared in my marriage if God want to restore or can my marriage be happy amd why did God allow that marriage will ruin if he can change everything
This is lovely, but I’ve been living this caregiver role for my husband for our whole 15+ year marriage, and it’s not all so beautiful. I became a Catholic (my husband’s faith) by virtue of his illness, and I have lovingly cared for him at home all these years, as he became TOTALLY physically and mentally by a genetic illness (FXTAS), shortly after our wedding day. I have built a faith in God which has kept me going, and someday I would like to write a book called Marriage on the Cross, because I have carried this cross for my husband – he is perfectly content because his brain is wiped out, and I have kept him comfortable and pain free in every way. I am suffering greatly, and will never sugar-coat this experience. People have said I am inspiring, but it is beyond difficult. I have never had a normal marriage with my husband, and the loss is devastating. The spiritual growth has been great and huge, but it is SUFFERING.
Oh Terri! My heart goes out to you girl!! I can’t even imagine what you’re going through! Praying for you now.
The book sounds like a wonderful idea & the title is excellent. I do hope that you get to write it, as I’m sure it would encourage others. Practical ideas to help others through the challenges would be great too. I hope you’ve been jotting down ideas, as able, to help you get started more easily one day. Lotsoluv Kerryn
Terri, I agree with Kerryn and appreciate you sharing with us here. God bless and protect you always. Laura
I’m so, so sorry for your pain, Terri. You must be exhausted sometimes in mind and spirit. I’m glad you shared openly and honestly here instead of trying to be strong. I have learned, too, that it is through the deepest valleys that we learn the most.
Oh Laura! This devotional is beautiful & brought me to tears. Such deep love! I’d be devastated & unable to speak, think etc I reckon. What a testimony! Thanks for sharing it….. much to ponder. Lotsoluv Kerryn
Thank you Kerryn, Laura
Laura, thank you for sharing this story of love and devotion, and I pray God will faithfully uphold this woman as she goes forward without a partner in life.
Thank you for those prayers for her Trudy. I too pray for this. Laura
Laura so beautiful. Just a lovely testimony of what marriage with Christ is. Try. Di
Diane, Thank you for writing. Blessings. Laura
Laura,
This was absolutely beautiful and so appreciated! I too witnessed this amazing love, watching these two amazing people(my Mom and Dad) throughout their marriage dealing with my Dad’s illness. My Mom always dealt with this with such grace, because my Dad was such an amazing man! It is not a burden when there is love, and there is no other way to describe them than a match made in Heaven! It was a once in a lifetime love!
Christy
Christy,Your parent’s love sounds lovely. Thank you for sharing. Blessings. Laurac