This week I spent an hour with a couple who live in another state. They made time for me in their jam packed schedule and we chatted about their current passions. I offered them two chairs about two feet apart but that was too far for him. He pulled hers closer. They often looked at each other, and touched each other lightly. Both were deeply aware of the symbiotic nature of their abilities.
"He is good at studying doctrine, and I am good at seeing how it applies to life." There was mutual respect and enough affection to power a train. They laughed at some of the obstacles like criticism that have spurred them on to keep trying. The word fun was sprinkled through their conversation along with gentle laughter.
I have known them for forty and fifty years, and while we do not live on the same side of the country I have been aware of the painful circumstances of their journey. Yet there was not a trace of resentment, or self pity to blot the gratitude that permeated their dialogue.
At one point I asked about a person who hurt them deeply a few years ago.
"We pray for them." They spoke with compassion and forgiveness.
"One day there will be healing."
I felt humbled to be in the presence of a couple who have seen suffering, and chosen love.
Finally I inquired about their daughter.
"She is married," they smiled at each other. "And we feel the influence of their marriage on ours. We work together somehow."
Remarkable, and enough to silence any of the minor grievances I might have about time or distance. You see their daughter is in the spiritual world.
