chicken and green beans. a match made in heaven...

Norman and Mable Underwood.
Each probably in their 80's...
married to each other for 65 of those years.

Sweet Husband and I met the Underwoods
this evening at The Country Patch.
Our plan was to enjoy some good veggies.
God's plan was to introduce us to some precious saints.

We were actually finishing up our meal
when the Underwoods entered the dining room.

Mrs. Underwood came first, assisted by a cane,
her back, unable to maintain her once elegant posture,
now curving toward her feet
as she slowly shuffled her way to the booth
where a restaurant employee had placed their food.

Mr. Underwood was not far behind,
also walking with the assistance of a cane,
and a good bit slower than his sweet bride.
For a moment I wondered if he was going to make it to the table,
as he was intently working and breathing hard
while making the journey of 10 or 15 feet.

I silently breathed a sigh of relief
as I heard their sweet conversation begin,
realizing that he had indeed reached his destination...
the seat in the booth right next to his wife,
just as he has enjoyed since they were newlyweds 65 years ago.

Sweet Husband and I were instantly captivated
by their conversation,
which betrayed a deep, tender, long-suffering love.
It went something like this...

Mrs. Underwood:  Here, have some of these green beans.

Mr. Underwood:  No, I think I've got enough food to eat on my plate.
Do you want some of this chicken?

Mrs. Underwood:  No, I don't care for any.  But, here you take some
of these green beans.

Mr. Underwood:  I don't care for any green beans.  You eat them...
and take some of this chicken.

Mrs. Underwood:  I have enough food on my plate.  I wish you
would take some of these green beans.

Sweet Husband and I giggled together
as Mrs. Underwood tried to convince Mr. Underwood
that he needed a share of her green beans.
He was not in agreement and was not budging.
Nor was he able to "sell" any chicken to the Mrs.

Once they agreed upon what each would eat and not eat
they bowed their heads to pray.
Mr. Underwood led the prayer and
it was not a canned, quickly recited mealtime prayer
that he had lifted for the last 65 years of their life together.

It was a heartfelt, from the soul, prayer...
and it was if we could feel God's presence
as he bent to incline his ear to Mr. Underwood's
humble and slightly hushed thanksgiving
for the blessings of food and family and
the faithfulness of God.

I was overcome.  My eyes welled up and
I wept...
right there in the middle of The Country Patch.

As we stood up to leave,
Sweet Husband walked over to them and
asked them how long they had been married...
then told them what a blessing we had received
observing their obvious love for each other and
their love for God as they prayed together.

Introductions were made and a few questions were asked
and our conversation ended with Mr. Underwood asking
us to remember them in our prayers.
He said they were each dealing with health issues and challenges.
Sweet Husband said, "One day you won't need those canes anymore!"
They both said simultaneously, "That's right!"
My eyes welled up again...
they still are.

Sweet Husband and I have provided music
for many, many weddings during our 28 years of marriage.
Steven Curtis Chapman's "I Will Be Here"
has been a frequently requested song.
I thought about how the Underwoods
are one of the few couples I know who have actually lived the lyrics.

But, even though they continue
to enjoy "being there" for each other...
the song they would probably request today would be
"It Is Not Death To Die" arranged by Bob Kauflin
based on a hymn by Henri Malan.

It is not death to die,
To leave this weary road,
And midst the brotherhood on high
To be at home with God.

It is not death to close
The eye long dimmed by tears,
And wake, in glorious repose,
To spend eternal years.

It is not death to bear
The wrench that sets us free
From dungeon chain, to breath the air
Of boundless liberty.

It is not death to fling
Aside this sinful dust
And rise, on strong exulting wing
To live among the just.

Oh, Jesus, conquering the grave
Your precious blood has pow'r to save
All who trust in you will in your mercy find
That it is not death to die.
 
I hope this is not the only time
our path will cross with the Underwoods'...
this side of heaven.

Mr. Underwood explained to us where they lived...
a home they bought when they had been married 11 years.
Perhaps Sweet Husband and I will pay them a visit.

I'll take lots of tissue.