Love

 

 

     While preparing to go to work one morning, Tom reminded his wife, Lara, that he was supposed to find out that day whether he would get the big promotion his boss had talked with him about the preceding week.  Since Tom and Lara were struggling financially, the promotion, with its anticipated increase in salary, would be a wonderful answer to prayer.

     As Tom left for work, Lara told him that she loved him and that she was praying for him.

     The hours of the day passed, with no word on the promotion.  Tom was really getting discouraged as he packed up his briefcase to go home for the day.  Just then he received a call to report to his boss’ office.  There he was given the news for which he had been waiting—he got the promotion!

     Immediately Tom called Lara and told her the good news.  She celebrated with him on the phone, and they offered a prayer of praise and thanksgiving.  Lara then asked him to come straight home, because she had a surprise for him!

     Since they lived close to Tom’s office, it was only ten minutes after hanging up the telephone that he walked into their house.  All was dark inside—except for the candlelit dining room.  The dining room table was set with their best china dishes and silver and there was a beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers.  Lara had spent the entire day preparing a wonderful dinner—Tom’s favorite!  The children were sleeping over at their grandmother’s house, so Tom and Lara had the evening alone to celebrate their good fortune!

     As Tom held Lara’s chair for her to be seated at the table, he noticed a card with his name on it leaning against one of the candles.  When he was seated, he opened the card and read: “Congratulations on your promotion, Tom.  I couldn’t be more proud of you!  I love you dearly, Lara.”

     That really touched Tom’s heart, and he told Lara how much it meant to him that she supported him so fully.  Then, they proceeded to enjoy their evening together.

     As Tom polished off the delicious dinner, Lara stood up to go to the kitchen for the special dessert she had made.  When she walked away, a card fell from her pocket.  It was identical to the one Tom had opened earlier.  Curious, he picked it up and, while Lara was in the kitchen, opened it and read the message inside.  In Lara’s neat handwriting was written: “I’m sorry that you didn’t get the promotion, Tom, but I couldn’t be more proud of you.  I love you dearly, Lara.”

     You see, Lara was going to tell her husband of her love and support regardless of how the promotion went.  She prepared each card early that day, just before she started preparing the special meal.

     What a beautiful illustration of unconditional love—the exact type of love that God has for you!  No matter what has happened in your past, God is ready, willing, and able to forgive you—if you only ask.

     “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  Romans 8:38, 39. God loves you, child.