A popular Christian television evangelist answered a caller on his program two days ago. His answer was heard around the world. The caller expressed a desire to date another woman because his wife with Alzheimer's disease no longer recognized him. The evangelist answered that since his wife had no ability to relate to him anymore, a divorce would be advisable if he planned on dating. My own moral compass hit true north, and I thought, "What happened to for better or for worse?" I was so troubled by his answer to the caller that I sent the link to Paul asking him to view the news clip and tell me what he thought.
Paul listened to the story and came into the kitchen where I was cleaning up after dinner. Soapy sponge in hand, I looked at him with trepidation and asked, "What would you do with me if...." He looked me right in the eye and said, "When I took my vows, I meant them, til death do us part!" I was so relieved that soapy hands and all, I went to him and threw my arms around his neck. "I'm not holding a bouquet, I'm not wearing a fancy dress, and there are no guests here," I said, "But I do believe that you just celebrated our marriage by repeating our wedding vows!" I was so comforted by Paul's resolve to stick by his commitment. I told him that I had always planned to do the same. Then he said, "I might be seated beside you reading a book, but I will be there!"
I hope scenes like the one in my kitchen took place all over the world as the words of this well-known evangelist spread through the news media. There are men and women all across the world tonight, feeding and caring for their childhood sweetheart until death parts them. Wiping their drool, helping them bathe; caring for the one who is helpless. That is a picture of Jesus, Who said, "I will never leave you or forsake you."