He Doesn't Hold Her Hand Anymore

There is a senior adult couple in our church. Been married 50+ years. Served as missionaries to underprivileged peoples in the American southwest for a number of years. It seems they've always had a loving and strong marriage. But he doesn't hold her hand anymore.

When they retired from the mission field in recent years and came back to Knoxville, you would see them at church often. Possibly teaching an adult class, volunteering with children or leading a missions club. Almost always hand-in-hand. But he doesn't hold her hand anymore.

If he didn't drop her off at the door like any proper gentleman would, they would park the car together and walk into church hand-in-hand. Their affection for one another was obvious. In the past, I've referenced this couple when encouraging young married couples to build an enduring marriage. But he doesn't hold her hand anymore.

Time has passed. Health fades. But love endures. See, he can't hold her hand anymore because her hands must grasp tightly to the walker she uses for stability. His hands, meanwhile, are occupied carrying their Bibles, jackets and his wife's purse (very few things say "I love you" to your wife as much as carrying her purse).

She's always held his heart and he's had hers. They're still very much in love. Maybe today more than ever. He just doesn't hold her hand anymore.