Chapter 12
" Risky Love"
Thirty seven year old Robert Thompson sat at the end of his bed sobbing. His hands covering his face completely as he tried to compose himself for the gut wrenching task that waited before him. You see Robert's loving wife Denise had passed away a month before because of a short bout with cancer. And he alone now on this lonely Fall Saturday afternoon would begin to clean out her closet. It had taken almost a month just for Robert to get rid of his beloved wife's make-up kit that sat so neatly near their bathroom sink. So, this daunting task of cleaning out her belongings would summon every bit of energy and strength that this middle aged man could muster. 
As he opened the doors of where Denise kept her wardrobe, Robert began to go through each item it seemed one by one. Every hanger seemed to possess a memory of an event the two had shared together over the past 15 years. Yes, there was the green dress she wore on their first date that captivated his heart and eyes beyond anyone’s imagination. And the brown sweater that reminded him of the romantic time they spent in mountains skiing, nearly ten years ago. Also, two maternity dresses that Denise dawned so proudly when she carried their two children. Bobbie Jr. now age ten and sister Annette, age eight. It was almost to much to bare ,so Robert hit his knees as he held these two pieces of garment to his face caressing them tightly as if he would never let go. After a few minutes had gone by he laid there motionless on the floor as tears surrounded his face. As he began to get up he noticed a package neatly gift wrapped in the corner of the closet. As Robert pulled it to himself, he noticed a card attached that had his name written on it. Robert, getting to his feet sat at the end of bed again and slowly opened the card. "To the one I Love," It read on the cover. The inside dated two years before which puzzled him stated." I cannot wait to wear this for you honey. When I bought it, I couldn't wait for you to see me in it. I hope we make a beautiful memory. I Love you Robert. Love your wife, Denise." Robert opened the package where to his wearied eyes was revealed the most beautiful night gown he had ever seen. He held it to his heart as if Denise was inside of it. That was all that was left to him now. This and a life time of memories and two beautiful children were all that left to him to hang on to. You know my friends the longer I live the saddest words I have ever heard in my 45 years of life have been . "What If?. " What if? I would of said I was sorry and reconciled with my son. What if? I would of been kinder to my husband. What if? I would took the chance and opened my own business. What If, What If, What If?. You get my point here, right? How many of us if we are truthful live with regrets and guilt of mistakes of what we did or haven't done in our past. You know the other day I was cleaning out my closet. I found a pair expensive brown wing tip shoes that I bought nearly eight years ago. If my memory serves me correct I only wore them twice. Probably, because I was afraid to scratch them or get them dirty. So what did I do.? I saved them, not enjoying them as I kept them safe for another day and time. The funny thing about them my friends is that when I tried them again today they did not fit right at all. My feet over the years have gotten fatter along with other parts of my middle aged body. So now, these expensive shoes are worth nothing to me. I never really enjoyed them like I should have. Never used them to their fullest potential and now there is nothing I can do with them but give them away to someone whose feet will fit inside without hurting themselves. God has shown me recently the power of a word called moments, I think it is time that we all start living a little more, a little better, a little more for today. The Lord Jesus time here on earth according to the Bible was 33 years. And I know the Lord knows everything so He must of knew his time and date of departing this world. That is why He took the time to enjoy or make the most out of every situation in His short but powerful life. Whether it was joining a woman at a well for a drink of water and sharing with her everything about her guilt ridden life. At the same time, I believe freeing her of the bad decisions she carried around like a heavy burden. Or attending a friends wedding as He turned the water into wine. Or stopping on His Journey to heal someone of leprosy and at the same time giving their dignity and life back to them. Jesus, took the time. The more I read of his life, It seems that Jesus made the time for others. This life can get crazy. Work, Family, Children, responsibility after responsibility. I mean before you know it the days have turned into weeks. Weeks are now years. And years, well years they become lifetimes. My hope is that whomever reads this chapter today starts to live their life again. Maybe there is a parent you need to call and tell them you are sorry and that you miss them and want to come back home to see them. Maybe, there is a wife that you have looked at across the table at for the past 5 years that you have lost contact with and have taken for granted. Or maybe there is a child who needs to know that they matter and that you really truly love them not with just words but with true heart felt actions. I don't know what your situation is but you do and so does God. Isn't it time to take a couple of chances.? Sure, you might get hung up on. Or at first maybe a cold shoulder or two thrown at you. But think about it, no matter what happens you tried to make things right again. Risky love can bring heartache, yes. But I heard someone say one time the greater the risk the greater the reward. You will not ever find out until you face that moment of truth face to face. My friends, don't live with regret. More importantly don't die with regret. Reach out to the one who understands your fear and pain. There is nothing that the Lord doesn't know of. Like the Lord Jesus took the time to heal the wounded. Take the risk by welcoming the un-wanted again. And forgive the unforgivable just like the Lord did when he walked the earth and still does today. You might just find a miracle there, A great moment is only an act of humility away. You might just see your greatest disappointment turn into one of your greatest joys. And your greatest hurt and pain become of the greatest moments of your life. If you get scared just look at the cross my friends. The Romans used it as a form of punishment as they hung people from it for their crimes back in the time of Jesus. They didn't realize that when they hung The Godman named Jesus Christ upon one that He would reconcile the world to the Father In Heaven that day. Reconciling the symbol of the crucifix, in such a beautiful way so that people now and have for years wear it upon their necks or hang it so humbly in their homes. God has a way of taking things that seem horrible and impossible and making them new again. Trust him, go with Him, love and risk with Him. Robert's wife Denise in the beginning of this chapter had the right idea. But like so many, she didn't follow through. Today is the day we begin to make a new start. Today, is the day for risky love and reconciliation. Your moment of heartache and sadness is about to end my friends. And a new beginning with great joy awaits ahead. Go with the strength of God, the love of God, the trust in God. No matter what happens you won’t ever have to say "what if" again and believe it or not there is a freedom in that. A freedom that only God can allow.!! God Bless You today and always. I wish you God's greatness on your journey. Love, Al