Ruth stopped short at Cathy’s desk on her way out of work. “What beautiful flowers!”
            Cathy grinned. “I know, aren’t they? My new boyfriend sent them to me.”
            Ruth bent over and smelled one of the roses. “Is it an anniversary, or did I miss your birthday?”

            Cathy waved a hand. “No, nothing like that. Rick is just really sweet. Check out the card.”
            Ruth took the card from Cathy and read aloud. “Lovely flowers for a lovely lady. I can’t wait to see you again.” She handed back the card. “That’s so nice.”
            Cathy held out her phone. “Isn’t he handsome?”

            Ruth studied the picture of the younger man with thick hair, a fit physique, and a dazzling smile. “Wow, Cathy. I’m really happy for you. But now I’d better get going. I don’t want to get stuck in traffic. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

             Ruth drove home, trying to remember the last time Bob got her flowers. No such luck. It had been so long, she couldn’t even begin to guess. She entered the house to find him sitting in his usual recliner, flipping through channels. She studied him for a moment. His hair had thinned more over the past years, and he’d been steadily putting on weight. He looked nothing like Rick.

            The next few days, each time Ruth passed Cathy’s desk, her discontent grew. She made excuses about being busy when Bob asked if she wanted to watch a movie together. By Saturday, all she could see was Bob’s imperfections. He snored. He never cleaned up his dishes. He needed a haircut. She was sitting at the kitchen table brooding over these things when a text vibrated her phone. It was from Cathy.

            Can you come over? I really need a friend right now.

            Puzzled, Ruth typed back. Of course. I’ll be there as soon as I can. She called upstairs to Bob. “I need to run over the Cathy’s for a while.”

            “OK,” Bob called back. “Hope everything is alright. Drive safely. I love you.”

            Ruth grabbed her jacket and crossed town to Cathy’s place. Cathy answered the door with swollen eyes.

            “Oh, Cathy, what’s wrong?” Ruth wrapped her arms around her friend.

            Cathy leaned into Ruth’s hug, and then backed away and led her to the sofa. “It’s Rick.”

            “Oh, no. Is he OK? Was there an accident?”

            “No, nothing like that. The jerk is fine. But I found out he’s cheating on me.”

            Ruth gasped. “I’m so sorry.”

            “I should have known. A guy with so much charm is bound to be untrustworthy.” Cathy shook her head. “I’m just so envious of you.”

            Ruth blinked. “Of me? Why?”

            “All I want is a guy like Bob.”
            Ruth must have heard wrong. “Like Bob? My Bob?”

            Cathy sank back against the sofa. “Yes. All I want is a steady dependable guy who I can trust. Someone to be there for the long haul. Someone to grow old with. I can’t think of anything nicer than that. I’d love a guy I can be myself with and not worry that he’s going to go after some younger woman. You’re so blessed.”

            Ruth drove home that afternoon in a daze. When she entered the house, she called to Bob. “Where are you?”

            “Over here.”

            Ruth followed the sound of Bob’s voice to find him sitting in front of her sewing machine. “What are you doing?”
            Bob shrugged. “You were complaining the other night it wasn’t working properly. I think I figured out the problem. It should be good now.”

            Ruth stared at him. “That was so kind of you. Thank you.”

            Bob gave her a crooked grin. “You seemed a little down this week, so I wanted to do something nice for you.”

            Shame welled up in Ruth. It didn’t matter that Bob wasn’t classically handsome or that he didn’t buy her flowers. He loved her and showed it in quiet ways. But more than anything, he had proven himself faithful for 30 years. She sent up a silent prayer thanking God for her husband, and then wrapped her arms around him, giving him a big kiss.

            “Wow. What was that for?” Bob pulled her closer.

            “Just for being you. I’m so grateful you’re my husband.”

Lamentations 3:22-23: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

God, sometimes we get caught up in what the world tells us is important. But You don’t look at the outward appearance. You look at the heart. True love is not made up of extravagant gifts and gestures. True love is found in faithfulness. Help us to be faithful to those in our lives – to our spouses, to our families, and to our friends. Help us be the kind of people they can count on for a helping hand, a listening ear, or a hug. Thank You for Your never-ending faithfulness to us. No matter what we do, You’re still there for us, waiting for us to return to You. You loved us enough to die for us, despite our sin and unfaithfulness. We can never deserve Your love and faithfulness, but we are oh so grateful for it. What a precious gift. In Jesus’ name, Amen.